Face masks back at Lincoln, Boston and Grantham hospitals following rise in illnesses

Visitors to Lincolnshire’s hospitals will be required to wear face masks in certain areas from next week, following a rise in respiratory illnesses.

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) has confirmed that staff, patients and visitors must wear hospital‑provided type II R surgical masks in designated high‑risk wards and departments, unless medically exempt, from Monday, November 3.

The move comes after a rise in illnesses such as Influenza A, RSV and Covid‑19.

The requirement applies to emergency departments, urgent treatment centres, out‑of‑hours admission areas, Oncology and Paediatric Assessment Units, as well as specific admission wards at Lincoln County Hospital, Pilgrim Hospital in Boston and Grantham and District Hospital.

ULHT emphasised that the measure aims to protect both patients and staff.

Anyone feeling unwell, including with diarrhoea or vomiting, should delay hospital visits for at least 72 hours after recovery.

Hand hygiene remains critical, with alcohol hand rub available throughout wards.

Patients should wash their hands after using the toilet to prevent infection.

ULHT said masks are being reintroduced as an extra infection control measure in response to rising illnesses in hospitals and the community.

Further information on visiting protocols is available on the trust’s visitors webpage.