Many of us have to attend clinics/outpatients for anything from a blood test to a face-to-face with your consultant. You will be expected to wear a mask unless there are very exceptional circumstances. However, this is expected to be a proper mask and as time has passed scarves, bandanas and some people's (home made) interpretation that could never provide an effective seal will have to change them for something suitable.
As an aside the masks do not deplete your oxygen levels!
The hospitals I have attended both as in and outpatient are happy with any masks worn, they haven't insisted on "proper" masks. I have made my own and bought some from a well known clothing range. I'm going for another procedure tomorrow so will see if anything has changed.
The masks may not deplete oxygen levels but after a while the heat generated especially with glasses on as well can make breathing a tad difficult.
I agree. I have just had a few appointments at differing hospitals. Each time I went in wearing my own mask but because I was there or going to be there for a little while (over an hour). They requested me to remove my own and replace it with one of theirs which they supplied. I just thought it was very good and obviously complied. A good service.
Hi my clinic is supplying, covid masks every time we go we get a new one for the next time they are extremely thick and you do not take them out of the packet until putting them on, they also go round your head and not just ears for a tight fit, maybe all clinics that have face to face appointments should supply them, downside I have very thick curly hair not been cut for 7 months, I look like a cross between a poodle and a spaniel, it gives the hospital a laugh 😂, we all need that in these time, char
Maybe not.
But when struggling for breath a mask is the last thing I want on my face.
They honestly make no difference at all but you could wear a visor. Just wear it low enough to cover your mouth area
I think different hospitals and clinics have different protocols as I have heard from very reliable sources that some are more than happy with home made fabric masks and even a bandana in one case.
Others have given clinical ( not covid ) masks to replace home made ones.
There reason being that they could not be sure when you last washed your home made fabric mask.
Ellie
Coincidentally, if masks are uncomfortable for some......(obviously I am trying to be polite with this one). Then there is no reason not to wear a visor. Still cost effective, probably just as safe but the reality is....people would feel comfortable around everyone.
My husband now has to wear a mask at work so he just bought some of the little plastic pieces that go inside the mask and hold it away from your mouth and nostrils but still keeps a seal round the outside of the mask. I thought it was just a gimmick, but they do work and are much more comfortable.
Wendy
Never heard of those. Do you have a link for them on a website?
My husband ordered them off Amazon. I haven’t got the link but they are called 3D Mask Brackets. They make wearing a mask a lot more comfortable.
Well luckily I haven't been to the hospital for quite a while but would be very happy to swap my cloth mask, which incidentally seals better than many paper ones, if needed.I did attend the GP's twice however and they were quite happy with my snazzy cloth mask.
Of course as Londinium points out some people are unable to wear masks for health reasons.I've been wearing one from the get go and didn't wait to be asked as I wanted protection.The thing that annoys me is the people wearing their masks under their nose...totally stupid and, funnily enough, it always seems to be the disposable type that they're wearing.
When I attended hospital they insisted I remove my own mask and use one of theirs. I think they are all doing this
Im just home having spent the morning in hospital having an outpatient procedure but on a ward and they were totally ok with me wearing my own mask. The other hospital I attend is also happy with anything that covers faces, some people just wear scarves, obviously hospitals have their own rules.
YOu can't tell how long a mask has been used so I think it's good that hospitals ask you to wear one of theirs. Some people just don't get it. MY husband's been wearing the self same disposable, single use mask for 5 months now. I have a box of 500 masks right by the door but no- he has that one in his car. He simply doesn't understand. I just wish my hairdresser would wear a mask as well as a visor. Her visor is so far up her forehead it barely covers her mouth. I wear glasses that steam up badly but the fabric washable mask i got from our Spar shop fits well and if I sit my glasses on top of it they stay clear. I have breathing problems and get really claustrophobic in a mask but it doesn't stop me wearing one. I would love what someone above describes that holds them away from your mouth and nose. I have two fabric masks that I wear and wash. They are going to help me in cold weather. Since my HA I find breathing in cold air tightens my chest badly and always had to wrap a scarf round my face.
Needs Must
Face Masks mandatory from 24th in shops
Echocardiogram appointment with hearing aids 
upcoming Angioplasty
