Norfolk: Hospital patients and visitors no longer need masks

The Norfolk and Norwich University (N&N), Queen Elizabeth and James Paget University Hospital (JPUH) say the move follows discussions with the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System (ICS) and risk assessments.

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (Image: NNUH)

The N&N said: "Instead of face masks being universally worn, they will be required in certain settings based on the local risk assessments.

"Staff will continue to wear masks when caring for patients who have a confirmed or suspected infectious respiratory illnesses and when caring for immunosuppressed patients.

"Patients and carers are not required to wear a face mask unless they have suspected or confirmed Covid-19 or another respiratory infection."

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The Queen Elizabeth Hospital at King's Lynn (Image: QEH)

The QEH said: "We are relaxing the requirement to wear a face mask for staff, patients, carers and visitors.

"Patients, carers and visitors are not required to wear a face mask unless they have suspected or confirmed Covid-19 or another respiratory infection."

The JPUH added: "In certain circumstances, our staff will continue to wear masks, such as when they are caring for patients who have a confirmed or suspected infectious respiratory illness and when caring for those who require protective isolation.

The James Paget University Hospital at Gorleston (Image: Newsquest)

"We would ask that all visitors continue to practice good hand hygiene by washing their hands on arrival at the hospital."

Masks will still be available at all three hospitals for anyone who would like to wear one.

Prof Nancy Fontaine, chief nurse and director of infection control at the N&N, said: "We understand that after three years of mask wearing there will be some anxiety and we want to reassure staff, patients, carers and visitors that masks will still be available at our hospitals for those who wish to wear one."