Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
STAFFING CRISIS AS OMICRON HITS HOSPITALS
Over 100 self-isolating as effects of new Covid strain hit NHS employees
Lanarkshire’s hospitals are facing a crisis as dozens of hard-working members of staff are forced into isolation.
The Advertiser understands that more than 100 workers are self-isolating having either tested positive for Covid-19 or been identified as a close contact of someone who has.
Russell Coulthard, NHS Lanarkshire deputy director of acute services, said: “We can confirm that a number of staff have tested positive for Covid-19 and are currently isolating for a 10-day period in line with current national guidance.”
Health bosses say the emergence of the new Omicron variant – which may be “three times more transmissible” than the Delta variant – is already having a negative impact on their services, which they expect to continue in the coming weeks.
The worrying development comes as NHS Lanarkshire announced it has suspended all but essential visiting at its hospitals.
The health board says its priority has to be keeping patients and staff as safe as possible by limiting the number of people attending hospitals.
NHS Lanarkshire nursing director Susan Friel said: “We hope everyone will understand that this decision has been made in the best interests of patients, other visitors and our staff.”
Lanarkshire’s hospitals are facing a staffing crisis as hard working medics have been forced into isolation.
The Advertiser understands that more than 100 members of staff in the region are currently selfisolating having either tested positive for the new Covid variant Omicron, or been identified as a close contact of someone with Covid.
One source said the hospitals are now in “crisis mode”.
An NHS Lanarkshire spokesman refused to confirm how many staff are currently isolating, however, Russell Coulthard, NHS Lanarkshire deputy director of acute services, confirmed a number of staff had tested positive and were isolating.
He told the Advertiser: “Our ‘test and protect’ team has carried out contact tracing with a number of staff having been identified as close contacts and are isolating for a 10-day period in line with current national guidance.
“This is adding to existing staffing challenges across health services.
“We are deploying staff from other areas to ensure our services can deliver effective patient care.”
Health bosses say the emergence of the new Omicron variant – which may be “three times more transmissible” than the Delta variant – is already having a negative impact on their services, which they expect to continue in the coming weeks.
Staff have been asked to pay particular attention to staying “Covid safe” during the Christmas and New Year festive season.
Mr Coulthard added: “We urge our staff and the public to do all they can to minimise the risk of spreading infection.
“Take regular lateral flow tests, especially before you socialise, continue to wear a face covering, maintain good hand hygiene, ventilate rooms and get your vaccine.
“We also urge the people of Lanarkshire to access the right care at the right place and keep emergency departments free for those with emergency care needs.”