Health chief: ‘Picture is looking brighter’
NHS Lanarkshire still stretched but no longer at top risk level
NHS Lanarkshire is no longer at the highest level of risk.
Following a risk assessment, senior leaders at the health board lowered the level of risk from black to red.
Heather Knox, NHS Lanarkshire chief executive, told the News: “While we are stepping down the level of risk from black to red, it is important to stress that red is still not an ideal situation and that our services and staff are still extremely busy.
“For the first time in many months, the picture is looking a little brighter.
“There are fewer people with Covid-19 in our hospitals, the level of staff sickness is lower and we are starting to see an improvement in our ability to discharge patients.
“All of this has improved flow throughout our acute hospitals.
“This is thanks to the hard work of all health and social care staff and to the public who continue to stick with the Covid-19 safety measures.”
NHS Lanarkshire has been at the highest level of risk since October last year.
The health board issued a public announcement at the time that its acute hospitals were at full capacity, with a lack of available beds and staff who were either ill or isolating.
Heather added: “The availability of hospital beds and staff to meet the levels of demand are key factors in assessing our risk level.
“We are at a crucial point and, as always, the safety of our patients and staff is our top priority.
“Protecting them from catching Covid-19 will help to continue to reduce pressures on our hospitals.
“We appreciate that the rules on wearing face coverings are no longer a legal requirement across Scotland.
“For the benefit of our patients and staff, we would ask the public to continue to support us by wearing face coverings when attending GPs, hospitals or any other health care settings for the foreseeable future.
“By helping us you are helping patients, service users and staff and for this we are extremely grateful.”
Red is still not an ideal situation and our services and staff are still extremely busy