Where are the Masks?

[LMEI]

I keep watching the news and the state of the NHS (It's on its arse!) and yesterday was the only time I had seen staff at a Hospital all wearing masks.My husband took me for a scan Mid-december to Northampton Hospital. We wore our masks as flu and everything else was on the increase. We were the only ones wearing masks. No patients or staff wearing them.

Yesterday I went in to our local Card Factory shop and as its a tiny shop I wore my mask. I wasn't surprised that I was the only one wearing a mask.

I know everyone is fed up of wearing masks, but surely it would halt some of the spread of these germs.

Why aren't the Hospitals saying this? We haven't even reached the peak of flu season yet.

I feel so sorry for the NHS as they are fighting a losing battle and the public don't appear to be helping.

[sassy59]

We wore our masks when Pete had his respiratory appointment this week and I think there were about six others wearing them. We feel it helps a bit and something is better than nothing. Xx

[Swizzy]

I had a clinic appt at QE in Bham yesterday.All staff wrre mandated to wear masks from yesterday and there were signs and boxes of masks for the patients. I agree with you that too few people are wearing masks which are definitely needed now.

[LMEI in reply to Swizzy]

I feel its a little too late. The horse has definitely bolted!!!

[Stewie_1968]

Hi LMEII was at the QE Birmingham last week and there were not many people wearing masks that also including the staff , I'm not sure what protection you actually get with them masks , air bourne viruses will go through the masks especially the standard ones the hospitals use may be some of the better masks will give you some protection but not the standard ones the hospitals use or have outside the doors for anyone to put on . I work at a local hospital for the NHS and masks are not always being worn

Regards

Stewie

[knitter]

A and E on Monday , surrounded by coughers . Some staff wearing masks , but one doctor , blue flimsy mask worn round chin .

Needs a central directive , staff and patients at risk

[LMEI in reply to knitter]

Maybe the Government should get the ball rolling. Did you have long to wait in A & E? Are you OK now?

[Izb1 in reply to LMEI]

Wasn't it the government that said people didn't need to wear masks or even stay of work when they had covid. I think we just have to protect ourselves as best we can.

[winterwalker01]

I have been thinking the same! I have been wearing my mask in shops and docs and was the the only one! So much stuff going round where I live , I m also using sanitizer, I’m acting the same as in covid, I’m keeping myself as safe as possible. Glad you are too!

[LMEI in reply to winterwalker01]

At least a few of us are aware of what you can pick up. I just wish everyone would think the same and think of the vulnerable. Luckily I don't really care what people think if I am wearing my mask, but it would be nice to see a few more.Keep safe.

Linda

[winterwalker01 in reply to LMEI]

I’m really surprised that with the all the hospitals in crisis and litterally everyone one I know is ill or has been, I would have thought that the government would suggest that everyone masks up!

But as you say I don’t care either I’m the only one! I have had all my jabs but the last thing I want is to be in hospital again, so I’m protecting myself! I also where my mask for walks sometimes as it stops the cold air!

[Biker88]

masks are now up to the individual, if you are concerned about spreading germs to someone else you can wear a hospital type mask. If on the other hand you want to protect yourself you need an accredited FFP3/2 mask as these will block microscopic bugs, fungal spores etc.

[LMEI in reply to Biker88]

The mask I wear probably doesn't keep all germs out but I feel better for wearing one. The super duper masks I cannot wear as I can't breathe in them. Sometimes even the thin masks makes me catch my breath. Fingers crossed we stay away from people with germs. We don't go in many shops now and hospital visits we try to get telephone or video calls. Roll on the summer.

Take care and stay safe.

Linda

[Ergendl]

Mid Cheshire NHS Trust has just instructed people in clinical areas to wear masks because of the problems with flu, RSV, Norovirus, etc.

[LMEI in reply to Ergendl]

Better late than never. I wish everyone had done it sooner and maybe we wouldn't be in such a mess.

[Alberta56]

My first contact with this forum was to ask about masks, as I found it hard to breathe in the conventional ones. Someone suggested silk masks, which I have found better. Some folk think silk helps to zap germs- don't know about that but they feel nice.

[LMEI in reply to Alberta56]

I will try them. Thank you.

[Ilovedogs12]

I had two hospital appointments last week. There was a hand gel station beside the entrance to cardio-pulmonary with an empty container for masks and a sign asking everyone to use them.But we were the only people I saw wearing masks including the staff. I don't get why they would have the sign, or why there were no masks in the container, it seemed a bit lax to me.

[LMEI in reply to Ilovedogs12]

They were probably left over from the Covid days. It's such a simple thing to do to protect everyone, including the staff.

[Ilovedogs12 in reply to LMEI]

It is, especially in the cardio-pulmonary department. The stand hasn't been there for ages, they'd obviously brought it back out because of the flu situation so you'd think they'd have kept it stocked really.

[LMEI in reply to Ilovedogs12]

They are so busy but surely a cleaner could restock it.

[Ilovedogs12 in reply to LMEI]

You'd think they'd have some system in place for restocking, it's not difficult. But to be honest none of the staff were wearing masks either so they didn't seem bothered. If it was any other department it wouldn't seem so important, but when they're dealing with people with lung problems I'd expect them to step up.

[LMEI in reply to Ilovedogs12]

Any bug can set your lungs off. I am scared of getting anything and having to go in for IV's. If the staff don't wear masks, it makes people think I won't bother either.

[Ilovedogs12 in reply to LMEI]

Exactly.

[garshe]

I am exempt from wearing a mask ..I use a scarf sometimes.. At present I don't leave the house as too coldcsndvtoo msny viruses around.I will stay indoors until weather improves. Hate the mask causes me to hyperventilate and then panic attack.scary.xxtsje care xx.Sheila

[LMEI in reply to garshe]

I don't blame you staying in. I usually go out for a walk but it's been so cold I haven't been out for a few days. I do a bit of hoovering for exercise. Take care and stay safe.

Linda

[garshe in reply to LMEI]

Too cold at present. I won't take unnecessary risks.Keep safe xx.Sheila

[LMEI in reply to garshe]

I also worry about falling over.

[garshe in reply to LMEI]

Please take care. .XxSheila

[LMEI in reply to garshe]

And you. Stay in the warm. I won't go out till it warms up a bit.Linda

[Mooka]

I was at Addenbrookes on Tuesday. All staff and patients in clinics were wearing masks but most were walking around the corridors without them 🤷🏻‍♀️

[LMEI in reply to Mooka]

That's a start but I think people have got fed up with restrictions.

[ladygigger]

One would think that with the number of admissions due to respiratory issues that masks would be obligatory, but Northampton General has never been particularly diligent about enforcing mask wearing - not even when I was initially diagnosed back in late 2022 with PMR (Polymyalgia Rheumatica). Rheumatology at NGH referred me to Thoracic as they found a growth in the lung - benign, but that wasn't known at the time - and I can't remember a great deal of mask wearing even then and the last few times I've been over to NGH mask wearing has been virtually non-existent.

I did wear one to the local doctor's surgery last week when I went in for blood tests, but that was because I had the remains of a cold which my grandchildren had kindly passed on at Christmas!

[LMEI in reply to ladygigger]

Northampton is where we went mid-December and we were the only ones wearing masks. We couldn't believe it. I only hope the NHS can keep limping along. The waiting lists for operations will get longer as no beds will be available, but that's another bone of contention! Don't even go there!Take care and stay safe.

Linda

[ladygigger in reply to LMEI]

Luckily my next rheumatology appointment at the end of the month is by telephone! However, at the moment I'm back and forth trying to get an acceptable blood test. Next week will be the third attempt to get sufficient blood from steroid-reduced veins.

[LMEI in reply to ladygigger]

Steroids are a wonderful drug but after some years it comes back to bite you on the bum. I have been on steroids for over 20 years and now have a few problems. Canulas never last more than 2 or 3 days. You end up very bruised.

[ladygigger in reply to LMEI]

I've only been on them for two years, since PMR was diagnosed, and that's quite enough, thank you. It's the weight gain I'm annoyed about, having lost two stone shortly before being diagnosed. Since then, I've put on 3.

I've no idea what went on when I was on the operating table to remove the growth in my right lung (they took the top lobe as well because it was next to a major artery so I lost 40%) but my arms post-op were both absolutely black.

[LMEI in reply to ladygigger]

That sounds horrendous. I am always amazed how our bodies keep going. I bruise so easily now. My hands have purple bruises on them most of the time. They look like old womans hands.

[Germantara]

It's terrible the way nhs is and countless lives lost

[LMEI in reply to Germantara]

I would like to think things will get better but unfortunately the NHS is struggling. Just keep staying safe and avoiding Hospitals.Take care.

Linda