‘Bring back face masks’: guidance change flawed, says staff group
Posted 20 July 2023 - 12:49
Withdrawing face mask recommendation for hospitals and other health and care settings in Scotland described as dangerous for staff, as COVID risk continues
A lobby group representing nurses and other healthcare workers has called for the wearing of face masks in health and social care settings to be reintroduced.
The Scottish Healthcare Workers Coalition (SHWC) described the decision to withdraw face mask recommendations for hospitals, GP surgeries and other health and care settings across the country as ‘flawed and dangerous’, as COVID-19 remains a significant risk.
COVID-19 ‘still a significant risk’
The Scottish Government announced in May that it was removing its face mask guidance, meaning it would no longer recommend that patients, visitors and healthcare staff wear them in all health and care settings. However, mask wearing is still recommended in settings in which patients are suspected of having COVID-19 or other viruses spread via droplets. The change brings Scotland in line with guidance for England and Wales.
The decision came after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 was no longer a global emergency.
But in a letter to the Scottish Government and NHS health boards this week, the SHWC said the change in guidance was ‘playing Russian roulette’ with staff and patient welfare, adding it was deeply concerned about the harmful effect this could have on wider public health.
Doctor warns some patients may be endangering their health by attending care settings
The group said health and care staff were at significantly higher risk of contracting coronavirus, and claimed at least 4% of NHS staff in the country are living with chronic post-COVID complications.
Public Health Scotland data show an average of 40 COVID-19 cases a day were reported in the country in the week ending 16 July.
SHWC spokesperson Shaun Peter Qureshi said: ‘At-risk patients have entirely legitimate concerns that they may endanger their health by visiting their GP or hospital.
‘With at least 4% of NHS staff now living with chronic post-COVID complications, the Scottish Government must follow the evidence and improve protections from the airborne spread of COVID-19 in healthcare settings, not reduce them.’
RCN says regular risk assessments should be completed
RCN Scotland associate director for nursing, policy and professional practice Eileen McKenna encouraged healthcare staff and managers to use the RCN’s risk assessment toolkit to ensure protection against airborne viruses.
‘Individual organisations should ensure regular risk assessments are completed at organisational and departmental level to determine the level of risk from respiratory or airborne infections and the mitigations that are required,’ she said.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said removal of the guidance does not prevent staff or patients from wearing a mask if they choose to.
‘This is a proportionate approach which recognises that Scotland continues to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and has entered a calmer phase of the pandemic,’ they said.
‘Any change to the extended use of face masks and face coverings guidance is in relation to the latest scientific evidence and is continually under review.’
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