Visitors to hospital are asked to wear masks as flu cases soar this winter

Hospital visitors have been asked to wear a mask when visiting parts of QA as cases of flu and norovirus rise.

- by Kelly Brown

The Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust is encouraging visitors to wear masks in the Emergency Department; Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC); Acute Medical Unit (AMU); and any other areas identified by ward staff.

It comes as hospitalisations for flu in the South East have more than doubled in the last week, as cases continue to rise across the country.

In a statement it said: “We are asking visitors to join our staff in wearing a mask in some areas of QA Hospital due to a rise in respiratory illnesses, including flu, as well as norovirus locally. This helps protect our patients, visitors, and staff during the winter period.

“Masks are available at the doors, and patients and visitors can wear one across all our services if they prefer.