NEVER AGAIN
Health chiefs must act now to stop a second Covid-19 wave, warns MSP
An NHS study on why Covid-19 claimed more than 200 lives across Renfrewshire must be published before the region is devastated by a second wave of the disease, an MSP has demanded.
A total of 205 people have died from coronavirus since March, making the local authority the fifth worst hit area in Scotland.
Health chiefs insist they are gathering data needed to explain why Renfrewshire suffered so severely, and NHSGGC chief executive Jane Grant told Neil Bibby MSP, right, last month that the report would be available “in the coming weeks”.
But the West Scotland member has accused the Scottish Government and health board of dragging their
heels to get the report published ahead of a second wave of Covid-19.
He initially called for answers in May when speaking in the Scottish Parliament, with Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport Jeane Freeman agreeing the high death rates in Renfrewshire were of great concern,
Mr Bibby claims to have written to the Scottish Government twice on the matter with no response.
The health board confirmed this week that data is still being collated and the report will not be available until this is complete.
Mr Bibby said: “Both the chief executive and the Health Secretary agreed with me that it was important for this to be investigated but two months later there has still been no comprehensive study into death rates in our region.
“I would call again on NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to publish a full analysis on the high prevalence of covid in Renfrewshire and the West as soon as possible.”
In a letter seen by the Paisley Daily Express, Ms Grant said the issues relating to the distribution of deaths in the area are “clearly a matter of concern” and said a report was being produced “which is due for completion in the coming weeks”.
The letter also reads: “The report will consider the variable factors which may have contributed to the distribution of deaths across the nation, with particular focus on the NHSGGC area.
“This vital piece of work, as you have suggested, will inform our understanding, and potentially approaches to any future outbreaks.
“As you are aware, the health board continues to work closely with the Scottish Government in all aspects of our approach to the Covid-19 pandemic. “
Mr Bibby said this report should be carried out as soon as possible in order to fully learn lessons to prevent a high number of deaths if a second wave were to hit.
The Labour MSP previously demanded answers from the Scottish Government after it was revealed people living in places such as Ferguslie Park, Gallowhill and Foxbar are more than twice as likely to die from coronavirus than those in affluent areas.
Figures released by the National Records of Scotland showed that those living in areas of high deprivation were 2.3 times more likely to die that those living in wealthier postcodes.
Mr Bibby said: “We still need to understand why Renfrewshire and the West of Scotland has been disproportionately affected by this virus. This should be done quickly to be prepared for any second wave.”