Northern Care Alliance temporarily re-instates use of face masks due to rise in Covid-19 cases

Northern Care Alliance hospitals, Rochdale Infirmary, Fairfield General Hospital, the Royal Oldham Hospital, Salford Royal Hospital

People attending a clinical setting in any Northern Care Alliance-run establishment are being asked to wear face masks following a rise in Covid-19 cases.

An update on the Northern Care Alliance website requests all patients and visitors wear a mask within buildings and enclosed spaces across its sites which include Rochdale Infirmary, Royal Oldham, Fairfield General and Salford Royal hospitals.

Anyone attending a Northern Care Alliance organisation will be given a mask when arriving for an appointment, treatment or visiting, and are asked to follow the guidelines in place, unless medically exempt:

• Wear your mask at all times, unless told otherwise by a member of staff.
• Use the mask properly by making sure it covers your nose and mouth, and don’t allow it to dangle around your neck.
• Wash your hands before putting your mask on and taking it off.
• Ask a member of staff for a new mask if yours becomes soiled/ damp.
• Dispose of your mask each day. If you’re with us for more than one day, you’ll be given a new one when you need it by a member of staff.
• Wear your mask when you’re in areas of the building where you’ll come into contact with other people.
• If you have to remove your mask for any reason, fold it in on itself and place it in your pocket/bag to be re-used.
• Continue to observe social distancing, keeping at least 2 metres from other people.

Mask wearing will remain under review on a weekly basis.

More information can be found on the Patient Information section of the Northern Care Alliance website.