Bulbanks Medical Centre 62 Battle Road, Erith, Kent, DA8 1BJ Telephone: 01322 432 997
Face Coverings When Using NHS Services
All patients and visitors to NHS services must wear a face covering at all times. This includes hospitals, community clinics and GP services. Evidence has confirmed that face coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission if you are suffering from coronavirus, but not showing symptoms.
The government has set out advice for people on how to make their own face coverings easily at home, using scarves or other textile items. These face coverings should cover the mouth and nose, whilst allowing the wearer to breathe comfortably and can be as simple as a scarf or bandanna that ties behind the head to give a snug fit.
Please wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting on a face covering and after taking it off. Please avoid touching your face covering whilst wearing it to avoid transmission of the virus.
If you attend an appointment without a face covering, you will be provided with a face mask in an emergency.
Face mask exemption on public transport and in shops
Please find advice here, supplied by Disability Horizons on face mask exemptions on public transport and in shops.
Please note that people are not required to supply a medical certificate or doctor's note to confirm they are exempt, but can instead self-certify. Therefore, requests from patients to practices for a note can be handled with discretion by the practice but can be refused.
Face covering exemptions
With face coverings now mandatory in many public places, there is no requirement for an individual to prove that they have a valid case for exemption if they cannot wear a face covering, therefore, GPs are not expected to provide verification of exemptions.
Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This is a personal choice, and is not necessary in law, verbal communication of this is good enough.
Template exemption cards are available for patients to print or download by clicking here