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23
Nov 2022
Last Updated: 23/11/2022
Plea for Harrogate hospital visitors to wear masks after people refuse to follow guidance
Officials at the hospital say an increasing number of people are being verbally aggressive towards staff when asked to wear a face mask.
Harrogate District Hospital.
Health bosses have issued a plea to visitors to Harrogate District Hospital to wear face masks amid a growing number of people refusing to follow guidance.
Officials at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said they had seen increasing number of people being verbally aggressive towards staff when they are asked to wear a face mask or replace one after removing it.
The plea comes as the hospital has warned that covid remains a “significant threat” and that it is seeing further admissions for the virus and flu going into winter.
Dr Jacqueline Andrews, medical director at HDFT said:
“We may no longer be at the height of the pandemic, but covid continues to be a threat for the people in our care and we must do all we can to protect them and the staff who look after them.
“Should a patient contract covid from a visitor, it can lead to a prolonged stay at the hospital due to the need for them isolate. This can impact on bed availability for people needing other forms of treatment.
“Wearing a face mask is simple to do and can make a real difference. If you are asked to wear a mask, please remember it is for the protection of the loved one you are visiting. We are merely asking visitors to follow mask wearing guidance in certain areas of our hospital and we will not tolerate aggressive or abusive behaviour towards our staff at HDFT.
“I would also encourage anyone who is eligible to get a covid booster and a flu vaccination to do so to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
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Visitors to inpatient wards are expected to wear masks as part of hospital guidance unless they are exempt.
The Harrogate district covid infection rate is currently 35 cases per 100,000 people.
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