Mask requirements reduced for visiting
In line with national guidance, our requirements for wearing masks and for visiting our sites have changed today (9 June).
These changes may be subject to review, as we continue to follow national guidance and complete local risk assessments for the protection of our patients, our staff and local people.
Guidance for patients
Patients are no longer required to wear a face covering when visiting our NHS sites, but may still choose to do so.
Patients with respiratory symptoms who attend the Emergency Department and those admitted with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are encouraged to wear a face mask if you are able to and can be offered one on arrival.
In addition, we encourage patients who are at high risk of infection due to immunosuppression (e.g. oncology/haematology) to wear a face mask if you feel comfortable doing so.
Our constantly updated advice for patients is here.
Changes to visiting guidance
Patients attending our Croydon Elective Centre at Croydon University Hospital will now be allowed one visitor. Visitors attending the Croydon Elective Centre, including those visiting patients receiving pre or post-operative care in our Coulsdon and Queens 1 wards will also be asked to wear a face mask to continue to protect our patients.
Friends or relatives visiting any patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 will also be required to wear a face mask and in other areas, if they are requested to do so by the clinical team in the area that they are visiting.
Our constantly updated advice for visitors is here.
Our staff
The changes also allow our staff to no longer wear surgical masks in non-clinical areas, including offices and corridors, unless specifically required.
The safety of our patients, visitors and staff is paramount, so facemasks and protective equipment will continue to be worn wherever appropriate in clinical areas.