NHS say ‘well prepared’ for coronavirus

Health bosses say they are well prepared should there be an outbreak of coronavirus in West Lothian.

NHS Lothian said it has stepped- up preparations for the possible spread of the virus after a patient tested positive for the disease in Tayside.

The health board has launched a ‘drive-through’ coronavirus testing centre in Edinburgh which will see patients being tested for COVID-19 while sitting in their cars at the campus of the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.

It is designed to complement the existing community-testing service where trained teams test patients in their own home.

Dr Tracey Gillies, medical director, NHS Lothian, said: “This service is for patients who have been assessed by the specialist team so it is an appointment-only service.

“It is not a drop-in clinic and it is important to stress that patients cannot be seen without an appointment.

“They will be met by specially trained healthcare professionals in protective clothing who will ask them to wind down the window of their car.

“A painless throat swab will be taken and the patient will be given information on self-isolation and asked to return and remain at home.

“Results will be returned as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.”

The Scottish Government has also said the country is well prepared to handle any outbreak of the disease.

And West Lothian Council said it would monitor the situation and follow guidance from Holyrood.

A spokesperson said: “This is an evolving situation and West Lothian Council is monitoring developments closely.

“West Lothian Council is following the guidance from Scottish Government, Health Protection Scotland and the NHS in regard to the Coronavirus.

“Guidance/ posters attached are displayed within council buildings to highlight key messages and provide staff and customers with details on where to access further information.

“The NHS has useful information and a number of key messages and we’d encourage local residents to familiarise themselves with the official advice at www. nhsinform. scot/ coronavirus.”

Scotland’s chief medical officer, Dr Catherine Calderwood, said: “Scotland is well equipped to deal with infections of this kind. We have a proven track record of dealing with challenging health issues and have been preparing for this possibility since the beginning of the outbreak in Wuhan.

“This is peak season for respiratory and flu- like illness. There will be people presenting with symptoms of acute respiratory illness but these cases are highly unlikely to be coronavirus (COVID-19).”

Updates can be found on the NHS Inform website, and a free helpline has been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice can call 0800 028 2816.

Scotland is well equipped to deal with infections of this kind