UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

My appt reminder says to wear a face mask unless exempt but clinical staff are not consistent, some do, some don't, I feel there should be consistency for everyone given close proximity on a slitlamp.
I'm happy to wear a mask in all indoor public spaces ie drs, hosps, transport, supermarket, especially as an asthmatic because non-covid viruses can take me 2 months to recover from with steroids and a back in total spasm. Friends & family always avoid infecting me if they're ill because they know it hits me harder.
So it doesn't make sense to me - wear a mask, but it's your choice not to, some clinical staff wearing, others not, asked about covid symptoms at the door at Moorfields A&E, and do a test before surgery, but it's everyone's choice to use a mask.
I'm recovering from hospital acquired covid, from a general hosp A&E which is annoying after 2 years of taking every precaution. I had a maskless triage nurse and treating consultant surrounded by maskless covid++ coughers in the waiting area.
The NHS is on its knees for all the reasons most of us know which I won't list as that's political, but it's frustrating that on this single point there is no consistent policy.

'Mask-wearing is the single most effective public health measure at tackling Covid, according to the first global study of its kind, which found that the measure was linked to a 53% fall in the incidence of the disease.‘ half the Covid=more freedom.

https://www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj-2021-068302

it has never been legally binding to wear a mask just "best practice" and "strongly advised"

For sure, but given its airborne and repeated infection is not great its a no-brainer!
People are getting covid from hospitals

If you want maximum protection when others around you are not mask wearing you need to wear an FFP3 mask https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/FFP_standards

There is an argument made by my GP, who is very cautious, that excessive long-term mask wearing when you don't need to, could increase your vulnerability to low level infections like the common cold. It all depends on your personal health situation.

There is zero evidence of that GPs line

540 people died from covid last week

from covid or with covid, theirs a huge difference.

I appreciate that difference but my points on masks still stand, in general hospital A&E they're overwhelmed and can't separate infected from uninfected, there is no excuse to not be using them in healthcare otherwise to help with reducing hospital acquired infection, FFP3 are best but even surgical better rhan nothing.

My partner C had to have a minor procedure a few weeks back now and the receptionist was apparently according to C (I couldn't see) wearing a mask on her chin not covering her nose thus voiding it of much of its potential. if staff in hospitals n healthcare settings cant wear a mask right it makes you wonder what hope their is for joe public