Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

22/12/2025

Important: Our approach to face masks within our hospitals 🔈

Over recent weeks, there has been understandable discussion about face masks in response to the prevalence of respiratory viruses and seasonal illnesses, particularly as some NHS organisations have introduced mandatory masking.

We have taken a careful and sensible approach, reviewing the evidence and national guidance alongside local data and a Trust-wide risk assessment led by our infection prevention and control specialists.

Based on this assessment, we are not requiring routine mask wearing within our hospitals at this time.

We believe this is a proportionate and sensible approach given the current level of risk and the controls already in place.

In very specific clinical circumstances, face masks may be required. This will always be clinically directed, with masks supplied as part of infection prevention and control measures. This includes situations such as outbreaks, caring for patients with known or suspected infections, certain higher-risk clinical areas, or specific procedures.

Preventing the spread of respiratory viruses and seasonal illnesses relies on consistently getting the basics of infection prevention and control right. Within our hospitals, this includes hand hygiene, isolation and cohorting where required, effective environmental cleaning and decontamination, good ventilation and professional clinical judgement.

We are prioritising these fundamentals and further backing them with investment. This winter, the Trust has committed an additional £1.3 million in winter funding, with a proportion allocated to enhanced cleaning and decontamination measures across our hospitals.

The public also has an important role to play. If you are unwell with cold, flu or other respiratory symptoms (and do not need urgent care and attention), please consider whether your visit can be delayed or advice sought before attending.

When in hospital, clean your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and dispose of tissues properly. We also encourage people to take up the offer of flu vaccination.

We recognise that other NHS organisations may take a different approach based on local circumstances, and we respect those decisions. When attending or visiting other healthcare settings, please follow the local guidance in place.

Most importantly, we respect the individual choice of colleagues, patients and visitors to wear a mask, and we ask everyone to respect those choices. Poor or disrespectful behaviour is not acceptable and will be challenged.

For those who wish to wear a face covering, the Trust will endeavour to make them available at the main entrances of each site, as well as in outpatient areas.

Please remember, where masks are worn by choice, they should always cover both the nose and mouth and should not be lowered for extended periods of time.

This position will continue to be kept under review and adapted if the risk picture changes.

22/12/2025

At this time of year, we all enjoy sharing food with our loved ones. But in the chaos of the festive period, accidents can happen.

For advice on when to get medical help, plus ways of preventing burns from occurring visit ➡️ http://nhs.uk/conditions/burns-and-scalds

If you have an accident whilst preparing for the big day, remember the Minor Injuries Unit at Montagu Hospital. The unit is open every day from 9.00am to 9.00pm (last admission 8pm), except on Christmas Day when it is closed. The unit re-opens on Boxing Day.

22/12/2025

A huge thank you to Susan and Sue from the Hyde Park Tenants and Residents Association (TARA) for kindly delivering a wonderful range of toys suitable for children of all ages to our Children’s Ward at Doncaster Royal Infirmary. These thoughtful donations were generously provided by the local Hyde Park community and will bring a lot of joy to our young patients this Christmas🎄🎁

21/12/2025

21/12/2025

Doncaster Royal Infirmary is currently in the running for the most amount of Christmas trees in one building race 🎅

21/12/2025

With the Christmas and New Year bank holidays approaching, health professionals at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) are encouraging local residents to plan ahead and make informed choices about how and when to use NHS services.

Hospital services remain available throughout the festive period, including Emergency Departments at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Bassetlaw Hospital, which are open 24 hours a day for people with serious or life-threatening conditions. However, for less urgent health concerns, residents are being asked to consider alternative services that may be more appropriate and quicker to access.

These include NHS 111, which is available online or by phone 24 hours a day for advice and direction to the right service. Many community pharmacies will also be open over the bank holidays, often with reduced hours, and can offer advice and treatment for minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats, rashes and stomach upsets. For sprains, cuts, grazes, minor burns and simple fractures, the Minor Injuries Unit at Montagu Hospital is open every day from 9am to 9pm, except Christmas Day.

Dr Nick Mallaband, Acting Executive Medical Director at DBTH, said: “The festive period can be a particularly busy time for the NHS. Taking a few simple steps now, such as checking you have enough of your regular medications, knowing which services are available locally, and understanding where to go for help, can make a real difference.

“Planning ahead not only helps services run more smoothly, but also gives people the best chance of enjoying a healthier and more relaxed Christmas.”

Residents are also reminded to order repeat prescriptions in good time and ensure they have enough medication to last through the bank holidays. Stocking up on basic household health items, such as pain relief, cold remedies and first aid supplies, can help manage minor illnesses at home. Checking in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, friends or relatives during the festive period is also encouraged.

Some outpatient clinics and non-urgent services may be closed over Christmas and New Year. Patients with scheduled appointments should attend as normal unless they have been contacted directly to say otherwise. Appointments can be viewed and managed using the NHS App.

For more information about local services and staying well this Christmas, visit https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/find-the-best-service-for-your-illness-or-injury/

21/12/2025

The festive season can be tough, but you’re never alone. These national organisations offer phone and online support over the Christmas period: 👇

Don't be afraid to reach out for the support you need.

Shout - Text NOTTS to 85258 or visit www.giveusashout.org/
Mind - Call 0300 123 33939 or visit www.mind.org.uk
No Panic - Call 0300 7729844 or visit www.nopanic.org.uk
CALM - Call 0800 58 58 58 or visit www.thecalmzone.net
National Debtline - Call 0808 808 4000 or visit www.nationaldebtline.org
Samaritans - Call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org
Cruse Bereavement Care - Call 0808 808 1677 or visit www.cruse.org.uk
Age UK - Call 0800 678 1602 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk

21/12/2025

Please choose wisely when accessing emergency services.

There are alternative ways you can receive care that might mean you can be treated sooner. When your GP is closed, please contact out of hours on NHS 111 via phone or online (www.nhs.uk/111). The out-of-hours period is from 6.00pm to 8.00am on weekdays and all day at weekends and on bank holidays.

21/12/2025

Families of babies cared for on our Special Care Baby Unit at Bassetlaw Hospital enjoyed a Christmas coffee morning filled with crafts, connection and a special visit from Santa.

Held monthly, these coffee mornings give parents and carers a chance to meet others who understand their journey, offering reassurance, friendship and support beyond the hospital stay.

Thank you to our amazing SCBU team and to Yorkshire Wildlife Park for donating soft toys for our babies. 💙

21/12/2025

With our Emergency Departments remaining busy during winter, it is more important than ever that you use NHS services accordingly.

Did you know your local Minor Injuries Unit at Montagu Hospital can deal with injuries including:
🟠 Sprains and strains
🟠 Simple fractures
🟠 Wound infections
🟠 Minor burns and scalds
🟠 Cuts
🟠 Grazes
🟠 Minor eye injuries
🟠 Foreign bodies in eyes and ears
🟠 Simple head wounds
🟠 Insect and animal bits

For more information on opening times and where to go, visit https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/find-the-best-service-for-your-illness-or-injury/

21/12/2025

During this period of industrial action, please attend your appointments as planned.

You will be contacted if your appointment needs to be changed, please continue to come forward for the care you need.

If you need medical help, continue to use 111 online, and in emergencies, please call 999.

For more information, visit: https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/news/choose-the-right-nhs-service-during-industrial-action-this-december/

21/12/2025

As part of our winter response, and supported by more than £1.3 million in additional winter funding, we will be increasing discharge transport capacity, including late-evening and overnight services, as one element of a wider package of winter measures.

This will help ensure patients can leave hospital safely once they are medically ready, reducing avoidable delays and freeing up beds earlier in the day.

At busy times, timely discharge is essential to keeping hospitals flowing. This investment will support safer, more efficient discharge and help reduce pressure across wards and Emergency Departments.