‘‘We can’t rely on outside help to cope with perfect storm’

HEALTH chiefs in Tayside have been told not to rely on help from elsewhere should the region struggle under a “perfect storm” this winter.

During the board meeting, health bosses were warned this winter could be the most challenging they have ever faced because of predicted surges in Covid-19, seasonal flu, bad weather and Brexit.

Councillor Eric Drysdale, of Perth and Kinross Council, asked if NHS Tayside would be able to get help from other Scottish health boards should it struggle this winter.

He said: “This could be described as a perfect storm of a winter with

Covid-19, bad weather, flu and of course EU exit, all of which conspires to make this the most challenging winter any of us will have faced.

“If NHS Tayside’s resources are stretched because of a particular surge in this area, and areas such as the north of Scotland are less badly affected, what happens to national resilience to deal with a scenario like this?”

NHS Tayside chief executive Grant Archibald said although aid would be given where it was needed, it was important the health board was well prepared to stand on its own as other health boards will also struggle this winter.

He said: “There is absolutely a commitment to mutual aid, that is a given.

“If your party fails, another party can help.

“But we must be mindful this problem is universal across the UK and in other parts of the world so we can’t over-rely in the belief that others can come to our assistance.

“Even in the most extreme circumstances we need to be ready because if we are having challenges ourselves, this could be happening elsewhere too.

“Mutual aid would be set but be mindful of the challenges of this pandemic.

“It is incumbent for me to make sure Tayside is as ready as possible for the perfect storm.”