Face Coverings On Hospital Visits

[bednobs]

Are children exempt from the above? I can only find the public transport thing which says children under 11 exempt. Have a hospital apt on tues.

[albaqwerty]

can only find this Bednobs, and no mention of age exemptions :(

https://onthewight.com/from-monday-face-coverings-must-be-worn-when-attending-healthcare-appointments/

[Mamyalynne]

I'd check the Hospital's own website, though I would imagine children to be exempt.

Best to be sure.

[sadielady]

I have had a text from my doctors surgery that states adults and children over 2 years must from Monday have some forms of face covering if attending the surgery, it applies to all adults and all children even if only attending the surgery with a patient.

[Buenchico]

I've just spent around 10 minutes trying to find an answer to your question on my local hospital's website, without success. The Government's press release doesn't help either:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/face-masks-and-coverings-to-be-worn-by-all-nhs-hospital-staff-and-visitors

I suspect that some common sense is needed here. i.e. if you've got a 9yo or 10yo child who's perfectly happy to wear a face covering, then it would be best to get him/her to do so. If you've got a 2yo who'd be terrified of having their face covered, then don't bother.

Although they'd probably prefer people to arrive with their own face coverings, hospitals will have them available for people who turn up without them anyway. (Indeed, for a forthcoming appointment, I've been told to knock on the door of the clinic and I'll be given a face mask. There was no mention at all of having to provide my own). So simply play it by ear and see what happens.

[ummmm]

You say that Chris. For a recent hospital appointment though I was told I wouldn't be seen if I didn't have a mask.

[bednobs]

Thanks all she's 8. I think I'll just take a scarf for her

[THECORBYLOON]

Alderney Children's hospital says about who should not wear a covering, "Young children (especially below 3 years of age), anyone with breathing or developmental problems or an unconscious person should not wear a face covering."

Sounds like it's up to individual hospitals as I'm not sure whether it'll be a legal requirement or no.

[THECORBYLOON]

"Alderhey"

[ummmm]

It might depend on the department.