RBH introduces mask wearing over flu concerns
The hospital say they haven't taken the decision lightly
Last updated 15th Dec 2025
The Royal Berkshire hospital in Reading has introduced mask wearing for visitors to certain parts of the hospital.
The hospital said in order to protect vulnerable patients and staff, visitors in high-risk patient-facing areas will be required to wear face masks.
These areas include:
Emergency Department (Adult & Paediatric)
Surgical Assessment Unit, Maternity Assessment Unit, Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) / Paediatric Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC)
Eye Casualty
Medical Assessment Unit
Clinical areas that care for high-risk patients such as renal, oncology & haematology
They've also asked people not to visit the hospital if they feel unwell or have cold or flu-type symptoms.
Decision
The hospital's chief medical officer Dr Janet Lippett said:
"We know its unpopular (mask wearing) we know they're uncomfortable we know they gets in the way of communication and we haven't taken the decision lightly what we do is we monitor the number of patients being admitted with flu and look at staff sickness due to flu, and we've decided to ask visitors to areas where high-risk patients are to wear masks."
Ask
If you are unsure, the hospital is asking you to speak to a member of staff on the ward or department. Face masks and hand-washing facilities are available across the hospital.