Covid bed crisis
A Covid bed crisis is gripping Ayrshire’s hospitals as the country heads back into lockdown.
Capacity for virus patients in local wards has soared to 96 per cent, Nicola Sturgeon confirmed on Monday.
It comes as the First Minister imposed a fourweek national shutdown with schools staying closed until February.
She said: “I am more concerned now than at any time since March last year.”
Ayr MSP John Scott added: “It’s clear that our health services are now coming under very significant pressure indeed.”
Health services in Ayrshire are under “very significant pressure” says an MSP, in light of new revelations about Covid bed capacity in our wards.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed on Monday that hospitals in NHS Ayrshire & Arran had reached 96 per cent of capacity for coronavirus patients.
It came as she announced a new national lockdown, which includes the closure of schools until February.
Ayr MSP Mr Scott said: “The new round of restrictions is very unwelcome news, and the most disappointing way to start the new year.
“However the real cause for concern locally is that in terms of hospital beds, NHS Ayrshire and Arran is currently at 96 per cent of its Covid capacity.
“It’s clear that our health services are now coming under very significant pressure indeed, with all that means in terms of being able to continue to deliver both Covid and non- Covid treatment.
“That makes it is essential that everyone does everything they can to follow the guidance and help suppress this new surge in the virus, so that we can reach the end of these restrictions as soon as possible.”
Dr Crawford McGuffie, Medical Director at NHS Ayrshire and Arran said: “We have experienced an increase in COVID- 19 admissions and, in line with other Health Boards across Scotland, have increased our capacity to support rising demand. This expanded COVID capacity is currently stretched, due to a combination of symptomatic patients who are either COVID- 19 positive or awaiting swab results; necessary infection prevention and control measures; and staff absence.
“The situation is constantly monitored and the Board links closely with Health Protection Scotland, the Scottish Government and the Chief Medical Officer.”