New guidance on mask wearing and COVID-19 testing in our hospitals and clinics

We have introduced new guidance on our mask wearing and COVID-19 testing policies in our hospitals and clinics.

Mask wearing guidance

Masks are no longer required in most areas of our hospitals and clinics. We ask that patients and visitors continue to wear face masks in areas of increased patient vulnerability, including:

• Emergency Department Triage (but not waiting areas)
• Intensive Care (ICU)
• Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU), Paediatric High Dependency Unity (PHDU) and Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)
• Ron Johnson Ward (Chelsea and Westminster Hospital)
• Gazzard Day Unit (Chelsea and Westminster Hospital)
• Haematology-Oncology Day Unit (West Middlesex Hospital)

This will continue to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, protecting our patients and staff. Face masks will continue to be provided and readily available in all clinical areas across the Trust. Staff, visitors and patients are supported to wear these if they wish.

COVID-19 testing guidance

Please do not attend our hospital sites or clinics if you have symptoms of COVID-19. If you have respiratory symptoms or diarrhoea and vomiting, please seek advice from the relevant service before attending planned care appointments.

Routine testing of patients and visitors is no longer required for attending most areas of the hospital. Patients will be advised if testing is required for the ward or service they are being admitted to.

Thank you for your support.