Self-isolating staff told by NHS to go to work
Staff in a children’s home have been told to turn up for work de s pi t e b e i ng i n “s e l f- i s ol at i o n” a f t e r c o n t a c t wi t h a n infected youngster, MSPS have been told.
Labour leader Richard Leonard warned this risks spreading the virus and contravenes n a t i o n a l c o r o n av i r u s g u i d - ance as he raised the issue in Holyrood yesterday.
The Labour leader told Nicola Sturgeon during First Ministers Questions that staff at a residential children’s unit in Glasgow have been told to self-isolate at home because they’ve had close contact with a young resident who has tested positive with Covid 19.
B u t h e a d d ed : “T h e y h ave also been instructed to continue to go to work. These staff have been sent letters saying that although they and their own family households must self-isolate for 14 days, their place at work is being considered as a ‘second household setting’ by Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board, that they are part of the ‘children’s unit bubble.’ This is not safe
and in fact it is a direct contravention of the guidance set out by Health Protection Scotland.”
He called on the First Minister to ensure that the units allow sta ff to sel f-isolate as necessary.
The First Minister pledged to “personally” look into the matter.
In a statement, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “Scottish Government Guidance clearly outlines residential children’s units should be considered households wherever possible. This is to ensure care for children can continue with minimal disruptions during the pandemic.”