A BASINGSTOKE hospital patient has joined calls encouraging the public to continue wearing their masks when they are no longer mandatory.

Janet, who is currently being treated at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital on Aldermaston Road, said wearing a face mask helps "keep me safe".

From Monday, the government is set to relax all coronavirus regulations which will mean the public can choose whether to continue wearing face coverings.

Hospitals, GPs and other health providers will still be able to require patients and visitors to wear them, unless they are exempt.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Basingstoke hospital, will continue to enforce wearing masks.

A spokesman said: "Wearing a face mask in our hospitals will still be required to help keep our patients and staff safe, even after guidance changes in other settings."