New see-through face masks have been approved for health and care workers to use in Scotland.

The masks, which have a clear front panel to allow lip reading, are designed to make it easier for people with communication difficulties to understand what people are saying.

Hundreds of thousands of the masks, designed and manufactured by a Scottish supplier in Dumfries and Galloway, have been delivered to health boards and will be in use from early this month.

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Humza Yousaf, Health Secretary, said: “Although face masks are essential to reduce the spread of coronavirus, it can cause difficulties for people who rely on lip reading, or have other communication needs. 

“Patients and staff have rightly been calling for an alternative to the usual surgical face masks in clinical settings, so I am pleased NHS Scotland is rolling out these new, innovative transparent masks.

“These masks mean staff and patients can communicate clearly while staying safe.

“This was an important part of our response to the coronavirus and this new and innovative product illustrates the long term benefits a domestic PPE supply chain can bring.”

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NHS National Services Scotland has placed an initial order for 2.3 million masks and has already issued about 10% of these to Health Boards for use with patients and staff who have hearing issues or other communication needs.

Mary Morgan, Chief Executive for National Service Scotland said: “Patient care is of the utmost priority and clear communications is critical to delivering the best possible experience for patients.

“Our procurement team have been working hard to distribute transparent masks to health boards across Scotland in time for December. This is a key step in improving communications with patients and staff as we continue through the pandemic.”