NHS Highland issues new face mask guidance which states that staff, patients and visitors in all hospital and care settings should now use Fluid Resistant Surgical Masks (FRSM) instead of face coverings as coronavirus is now more prevalent in the region

With Covid-19 more prevalent here than previously, and the new more transmissible variant present, NHS Highland has updated its guidance on face coverings and masks.

Having taken advice from Infection Control the organisation is now asking that staff, patients and visitors in all hospital and care settings should now use Fluid Resistant Surgical Masks (FRSM) instead of face coverings – FRSMs will be provided.

With immediate effect all visitors, patients and staff should put on an FRSM rather than a face covering when coming into the care facility.

This guidance also applies to all non-clinical and patient-facing staff when it is not possible for them to physically distance from colleagues within offices or moving between departments.

Staff who work in non-clinical shared office spaces should also ensure they are using an FRSM.

NHS Highland also continues to encourage hand hygiene which is particularly important when handling face coverings and masks.

Further information is available online in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM).

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