The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Infection risk in dormitory wards a ‘silent scandal’
Daughter of Fife patient claims older-style accommodation ‘a death trap’ for her father
Fears have been raised that patients in dormitory wards across Scotland are being left at greater risk of contracting Covid-19.
Health boards across the country still have older-style dormitory wards, including those where mental health patients are cared for long-term.
Donald Watt, 84, is among a dozen patients in one such ward in Stratheden Hospital, Cupar, and his daughter Jane fears his life is in danger as the ability to socially distance is limited.
MSPs Monica Lennon and Miles Briggs, who have voiced concern over his situation, have demanded reassurance from the Scottish Government that all is being done to protect those in such environments.
Describing the issue as a “silent scandal”, Jane said: “My dad is in a death trap.
“There are 12 men and there is just one living room and dining area and a shared toilet and they have to walk past all the beds to get to the toilet.
“My father has an underlying health condition; in a care home he would have to be in his own room.”
Scottish Labour’s health spokeswoman Ms Lennon said she was “alarmed” by concerns about the potential spread of coronavirus among already vulnerable patients and asked for urgent clarity from ministers.
Scottish Conservative health spokesman Mr Briggs said serious concerns had been raised.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists recommends that wards with dormitory accommodation should make specific plans for infection management and patients with symptoms of the virus should be moved to a private area.
The Scottish Government said a range of infection prevention and control measures meant patients were isolated and cohorted where appropriate, equipment and areas decontaminated and only essential visits conducted.
A spokeswoman said: “Health Protection Scotland are currently undertaking work to incorporate all the emerging data and evidence to identify what additional interventions can be introduced to reduce the spread as far as possible.”
Fife Heath and Social Care Partnership said it was unable to comment on Mr Watt’s specific circumstances due to patient confidentiality.
However, Julie Paterson, divisional general manager, said: “The safety of patients in our care is paramount.
“All our teams working across mental health wards are adhering to national guidance in respect of infection control practice.”