Last week, I took my husband for a follow-up appointment at La Paz Hospital and noticed that the health safety policies have changed again. I feel like many people might not be aware, so I’m writing this post to share the latest situation to save you from a wasted trip or being unprepared.
Overall: It Depends. Not Mandatory but ‘Strongly Recommended’
We’re past the peak of the pandemic, so unlike the days of Spain’s pandemic response, you are no longer required to wear a mask the moment you walk through the hospital’s main entrance. In public areas like the lobby and hallways, you’ll see most people still wearing masks, but a few don’t, and the security guards at the door won’t force you to put one on. However, you will see signs with ‘Recomendado’ (Recommended) posted on walls and in many places.
Rules for Entering Specific Areas
The real ‘mandatory requirement’ begins when you enter specific departments or areas. We were visiting the Respiratory Outpatient Clinic, and right at the entrance to the clinic area, the nurse at the station firmly insisted that all waiting patients and their companions must wear a mask. If you don’t have one, they will provide a basic blue surgical mask. So, mask freedom does not exist here.
Policy Differences by Department
I made a point to observe and ask friends in other areas, and based on information from Spanish healthcare workers and personal experiences, I’ve put together a general overview for your reference:
| Department/Area | Mask Requirement |
|---|
| Emergency Room | Basically mandatory |
| Oncology | Mandatory |
| Respiratory | Mandatory |
| ICU / UCI | Mandatory, with strict visitation limits |
| General Outpatient Clinics | Strongly recommended, mandatory in some departments |
| Hallways/Lobby | Recommended, not mandatory |
To sum up, my personal advice is:
No matter why you’re going to the hospital, it’s best to carry an FFP2 mask with you. While it may not be required everywhere, a hospital is a concentration point for viruses and bacteria, and it’s always wise to protect yourself. This is especially true if you are visiting immunocompromised patients or entering high-risk departments. Wearing a mask is not just about following the rules; it’s about being responsible for yourself and others. Hope everyone stays healthy and well!
