CARE bosses say they are delighted after a Southend MP's campaign for mask wearing to be ditched within homes was successful.

The Department for Health and Social Care has updated their guidance on masks within care settings, meaning staff are no longer required to “wear masks at all times”.

Providers can now conduct risk assessments to make decisions about the use of masks.

This comes after Anna Firth, MP for Southend West, backed calls from care homes to drop compulsory face masks for staff due to the “detrimental impact” it was having on residents.

Chalkwell Grange, located in Chalkwell Avenue, and Cavell Lodge, located in Blenheim Chase, both informed Ms Firth about their deep concern over face masks.

They claimed the wearing of masks was impacting communication and relationships with the elderly residents, especially those living with dementia.

Following the news, they are no longer compulsory.

Vikki Richardson, home manager at Chalkwell Grange, said: “This is fantastic news for all care homes.

“Thank you so much to Ms Firth for supporting this.

“This will make such a difference to our residents and staff.

"Seeing smiling faces in their homes rather than a mask will make such a difference.”

Two residents at Chalkwell Grange also welcomed the decision.

Pauline Cole said: “It is really good news because we can recognise staff and build better relationships.”

Sylvia Shuffle added: “Staff not wearing mask will help me, I find it hard to hear so I read people's lips and I can see their smiling faces too.”

Last week Ms Firth lobbied the Minister for Health and Social Care, Helen Whately MP, to change the “compulsory” rule.

Ms Firth said: “When I met with care home staff and residents, they really made it clear how the small change of dropping mandatory masks will make a big difference to the service offered.

“Speaking in the House of Commons and lobbying the Minister for Social Care, I urged the Department of Health and Social Care to move on from legacy pandemic restrictions and put some trust in care operators who already have thorough safety procedures in place.

“I am really pleased to have helped secure the news that local care homes will have more autonomy over the use of face masks.

“Providers like Cavell Lodge and Chalkwell Grange do so much for our Southend community and dedicated the last two years to protecting the most vulnerable from Covid-19, sometimes making massive personal sacrifices through isolation.”