The routine use of a fluid resistant surgical face mask (FRSM) in clinical areas (as of September 2023) is a matter of personal choice. Routine face mask use is no longer required for staff.
However there are exceptions if either a staff member is symptomatic and well (see COVID-19 page), or if caring for a patient symptomatic of a respiratory illness (see section below).
Staff caring for any patient with signs and symptoms of a respiratory viral infection should wear a fluid resistant surgical mask and other PPE in line with existing NHS Scotland Infection Control Policy. For more information please see: National Infection Prevention and Control Manual
Staff can continue to select and use FFP3 on a personal risk assessment.
If FPP3 used, staff must ensure they only use a respirator which they have been successfully face fit tested to. All PPE must be used in line with the manufacturer’s instruction, policy and best practice guidance.
Patient showing signs and symptoms of a respiratory viral infection, or respiratory illness, should be encouraged to wear a surgical face mask where it is clinically safe and tolerated by the wearer where appropriate.
Staff should support those who need assistance, for example elderly and children, to follow good cough and hand hygiene. This includes providing patients with tissues, plastic bags for used tissues and hand hygiene facilities as necessary.
Masks must fully cover the nose and mouth at all times when worn.
The mask should be removed or replaced:
Masks should be disposed of as clinical waste.
Hands should be washed or decontaminated using alcohol-based hand rub before putting on, or after removing or touching the mask.
Visitors no longer routinely need to use a face mask in hospitals, unless visiting a patient with high infection risk.
There is no requirement to routinely use FFP3 respirators, visors and gowns during any aerosol generating procedures (AGP) during the care of any asymptomatic patients. This includes patients receiving care or treatment in endoscopy, theatres or critical care.
FFP3 during an AGP is only required if a patient has symptoms consistent with a respiratory viral infection and/or any suspected or confirmed infection spread partially or wholly by an airborne route. Post AGP fallow times should be observed. More information can be found here.
A list of AGP requiring additional precautions can be found here.
Staff can continue to select and use FFP3 on a personal risk assessment.
If used, staff must ensure they only use a respirator which they have been successfully face fit tested to. All PPE must be used in line with the manufacturer’s instruction, policy and best practice guidance.
Advice on how to access FFP3 mask fitting services can be found here
SJH Emergency Medicine