Masks on children in hospital

[lockdownlush]

Told it's compulsory and both children 7&9 handed masks to put on immediately in A&E urgent care.. my son has had a terrible accident to his leg. I felt awful but questioned this.. I thought under 11 it was not compulsory. Anyone able to clarify? Both boys have autism and they really aren't great with the whole thing.

Maybe hospitals have their own regulations.

I was told it is under 5 in hospital environment last week when in with my little one .

I think the under 11 is purely for the shop side of things.

Especially in a hospital I think if they can then they are best to wear them.

If a hospital thinks it is appropriate for someone to wear a mask that is what they should be doing. To be fair you are extremely lucky that the hospital even allowed your other child inside as the local ones have made it clear that nobody other than the patient (and one carer if the patient is a child or otherwise vulnerable) can go into A and E under any circumstances.

With autism causing distress it’s an exemption anyway. But yes in theory under 11s don’t need to wear one. I guess some places are setting their own rules. My son has autism and wears a sunflower lanyard and a mask exempt badge.

Hospitals have their own rules as it’s a high risk environment. I’m pretty sure that other valid exemptions for shops/public transportation wouldn’t apply at hospitals too

They really do seem to insist where I am. In kids’ A&E, the only non masked kids were a baby and a non verbal 4yo with SN. Teens bent over in pain had to wear one as did those with bleeding injuries.

My son is 8 and has been in the local hospital weekly. He’s not been given one when we have or been asked to wear one, the consultant told us the hospital is Covid free so maybe that’s why.

Our hospital is not enforcing children in masks. We are Covid free atm.

My dc is going in for day surgery and I was told their policy is all dc over 5 to wear them at all times.
It seems all hospitals are making their own rules. Ours are certainly a lot stricter than the current guidelines.

Thanks for your replies, as for my other child being allowed into the hospital.. maybe I should have chained him up in the mid day sun in the car.. my bad. I doubt it's Covid free here .. he's wearing the mask and my other child has been taken by my H!

They can't be compulsory because it will be impossible for some children and adults to wear them. Similarly the limit on numbers. Some children and adults will need 2:1 support for everyone to be safe. But I would always try to ring ahead if possible if the standard arrangements won't work.

It is not compulsory. Precautions had been relaxed for children in London hospitals including no need to isolate pre surgery/admission . This may change of course.