Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South East, is calling on NHS England to review the commissioning and availability of protective face masks and visors/shields for use in health settings to support deaf and hard of hearing people.

She has written to the chief executive of NHS England, Sir Simon Stevens, to see if clear face masks and visors can become more prevalent in health settings to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing people in this "vital aspect of society".

In the letter, Ms Qureshi, sates: "I appreciate how difficult it can be for deaf and hard of hearing people to navigate a society where mask-wearing is the norm."

"Whilst I understand the need for NHS staff and members of the public to continue to wear masks in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19, concerns have been raised about the negative impact that this is having on the deaf community.

"An obstruction to the mouth makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for a deaf person to understand what is being said. Face masks also have the effect of obscuring and muffling speech, making it harder for deaf people to make use of any residual hearing they have.

"If clear face masks and visors can become more prevalent in health settings, then at least this vital aspect of society can become more accessible to deaf and hard of hearing people."