Extra health workers are drafted in

More than 700 additional staff members at north-east hospitals have been trained to use protective clothing, while trainees have been drafted in early to help fight coronavirus. NHS Grampian’s Infection Prevention Control team has ensured staff can safely deal with suspected and confirmed Covid-19 patients. Nurses, doctors and other frontline workers can now put on and take off the equipment to ensure their safety following a four-week training scheme.

Fiona Francey, Acute Sector chief officer said: “It is vital that we ensure our staff are properly equipped and trained to deal with the extra demand we are likely to see on our services in the coming weeks.” The health board currently has a sufficient stock of face masks, with thousands more due to arrive in the coming days. A number of trainees have also moved on to NHS Grampian’s full-time rota with more due to join in the next few days and weeks.