SCOTS DOCTORS TO TEST YOU AT HOME
‘Swab squads’ in protective gear and masks will visit hundreds of suspected Covid-19 sufferers
HEALTH chiefs are to deploy an army of doctors and nurses who will visit Scots in their own homes and test them for coronavirus.
Medics in specialist protective gear will attend to suspected patients, with NHS bosses also considering extending fast food-style ‘drive-through’ testing sites for those who can travel.
As Scots cases of the killer virus rise – with 16 now confirmed – the NHS is monitoring the possible need for further emergency measures, such as cancelling staff leave and increasing morgue capacity.
Health boards have now established teams – kitted out in specialist protective gear, including masks – who will swab suspected carriers of Covid-19.
Meanwhile, the Red Cross could be drafted in to help with the emergency response following discussions with the Scottish Government.
Gabe Docherty, NHS Lanarkshire’s director of public health, said: ‘The introduction of community testing is all about following the advice in relation to staying at home, minimising contact with others and limiting the potential spread of the virus. By doing this, we can better manage any possible cases while minimising the risk of infection, so it benefits everyone all round. I appreciate it may be daunting for neighbours and family members to see our staff in their neighbourhood in protective clothing, but there really is no need to be concerned. This is simply a precautionary measure and we very much appreciate the support and co-operation of communities.’
NHS Lothian, Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Fife have also established home-testing services.
A spokesman for NHS Lothian said teams going to people’s homes include ‘doctors and nurses’.
NHS Fife’s deputy director of public health, Dr Esther Curnock, said: ‘If, as anticipated, we see a significant increase in the numbers of those requiring testing, we are likely to expand our capacity further to ensure timely testing of those meeting the criteria.’
Medical director of NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Crawford McGuffie, said: ‘In line with other health boards, we are developing arrangements to carry out communitybased testing for Covid-19, which would be used if necessary.’
NHS Highland said it had no plans for home testing but would review the decision.
Dr Anna Lamont, assistant medical director of NHS 24, said suitability for home visits was decided by local health protection teams
NHS Lothian and Highland already operate drive-through testing, Dumfries and Galloway and Lanarkshire are to introduce it, while Ayrshire and Arran is considering the service. British Red Cross head of crisis response, Simon Lewis, said: ‘We’ve been in regular discussions with partners including the [UK] Government, NHS, Public Health and local authorities since the outbreak began.
‘As always, the British Red Cross is ready to help where needed and will continue to play whatever part we can to support communities while efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19 continue.’
A spokesman for the Red Cross confirmed those partners included the Scottish Government but was unable to give any further details.
A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: ‘All health boards must ensure that plans are in place for timely assessment and testing of people with possible Covid-19. Boards should test wherever possible within 24 hours of presentation to facilitate contact tracing should a result be positive.
‘We work with each board to help determine how this is achieved according to local circumstances.
‘Boards are exploring the ability to undertake community-based testing rather than have individuals travel to a clinical setting.’
Meanwhile, thousands of patients – even those with serious conditions – are set to be treated at home instead of hospital under ‘admission avoidance’ schemes. The Scottish Government will deliver a £1 million boost to ensure patients – mostly elderly and many with serious conditions – can be treated in their own home.
The cash will help to free up hospital beds at a time of urgent need and help elderly patients – among those most vulnerable to Covid-19 – to stay at home.
Some parts of Scotland already have such schemes. But existing plans to roll them out nationwide looked set to be accelerated last night as coronovirus spreads.
The Scottish Government confirmed the move, saying: ‘The focus of Hospital at Home is to provide, where appropriate, hospital-quality care at home for older people with a wide range of conditions, such as pneumonia.
‘Funding of £1 million in the Budget will support the development of Hospital at Home services. This is part of our work to address the Covid-19 challenge.’