New transparent face masks, made in Scotland, have been approved for use in health and social care settings across Scotland.

The new transparent masks, which feature a clear front panel to enable lip reading, will make communication easier and help reduce the challenges the pandemic has created for those with communication needs.

NHS National Services Scotland began distributing the masks to Health Boards in November, and they will be in use from early December onwards.

NHS National Services Scotland has placed an initial order for 2.3 million masks, and has already issued about 10 per cent of these to Health Boards for use. Health Boards have been asked to prioritise using the masks with those 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.”