NHS eases mask wearing rules

Wednesday, 28 January 2026 15:20

As of Tuesday, 27 January 2026, East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust has stepped down its enhanced mask-wearing measures for patients, visitors, and staff

The decision follows a reduction in flu and respiratory cases presenting at the Trust’s emergency departments.

Key Changes to Guidance:

Routine Use: Patients and visitors are no longer routinely asked or expected to wear masks in Emergency Departments or on wards.
Personal Choice: Anyone who still wishes to wear a mask is welcome to do so.
Clinical Exceptions: Standard NHS procedures for wearing masks as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) remain in place for staff delivering care or in high-risk transmission areas.

The Trust oversees several facilities, including Eastbourne District General Hospital, Conquest Hospital in Hastings, and Bexhill Hospital. For the most current ward-specific updates, you can check the official East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust news page

More from The Guide

Sussex Police officer charged with off-duty driving offence

A Sussex Police officer has been charged with off-duty driving offences in Crawley.

Beach Life Festival Leads Bumper Weekend of Events

Beach Life Music Festival returns to the Bandstand at the end of the month, in a bumper weekend of events, including the Seafront Market, Funfair and 999 Emergency Services Display.

Hailsham Community Run Rescheduled Due to Continued Roadworks

The 2026 Hailsham Community Run has been rescheduled to Sunday 12th July, due to ongoing road repairs and emergency works in Station Road.

2027 Tickets On Sale Early After Beer & Cider Festival Sell-Out Success

Beer & Cider By The Sea will serve up another selection of real ales, craft beers, artisan ciders and perries next year, after its sell-out success over the weekend.

Hospice team’s invite to Buckingham Palace Garden Party

It was an exciting day for six St Wilfrid's Hospice staff and volunteers who represented the hospice at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party earlier this month. The occasion celebrated the dedication and contribution of those who serve their communities through volunteering, supporting charitable causes and working for emergency services.

The new Horam Station Hub opens for residents to enjoy

Today marks an important milestone for the Cuckoo Trail, as Wealden District Council celebrate the opening of the new Horam Station Hub.

Supermarket chain ALDI wants to open 6 new stores in Sussex

Aldi has named six specific locations across Sussex where it is actively eyeing up potential sites for new stores.

Beachy Head Lighthouse Challenge returns to Eastbourne

The annual Beachy Head Lighthouse Challenge is officially returning to the Eastbourne coast on Sunday, 14 June 2026, starting at 4:00 pm.

Choose your station

NHS eases mask wearing rules

Share

More from The Guide

Choose your station