Be prepared call from doctors
With infection rates in Lanarkshire the second highest in Scotland, Wishaw residents are being urged to prepare, should Covid-19 hit their household.
In the past fortnight, NHS Lanarkshire confirmed that while a number of clinically urgent and priority procedures will continue, it is temporarily postponing all non-urgent surgery - and some outpatient appointments.
It was also announced that GP practices have been asked to prioritise urgent care over the next month, as the number of Covid cases continues to put pressure on the whole healthcare system.
Instead it will focus on Covid inpatients and emergency care while managing the Covid-19 patients who will continue to be in hospital over the coming weeks.
The best way to avoid catching Covid-19 is, of course, to stay at home and only go out for essential reasons.
Dr Mike Coates a local GP, pointed out that with the continuing rate of Covid case numbers in Lanarkshire, it is likely that many local people will know someone who falls ill with Covid over the next month or so. The latest seven day total shows 1,705 new cases.
He said:“We’re going to see many people get sick with this nasty virus before things start to get better. Unfortunately, the majority of people who get Covid will feel unwell for around a week before starting to recover. They can and should self-care at home.”
Speaking about the pressures on NHS Lanarkshire hospitals due to Covid-19, John Keaney, Divisional Medical Director for NHS Lanarkshire’s Acute Services added:“Our capacity is reaching a critical point, so anything that local people can do to reduce the pressure on A&E departments is helpful and much appreciated.
“Statistics for the month of January show that nearly 1 in 10 people turning up at A&E could instead have stayed at home and followed self-care advice, or phoned 111 to be referred for quicker help elsewhere.”
Anyone who thinks they may have symptoms of Covid-19 should self-isolate and arrange a test immediately by calling 0800 028 2816 or by booking one in advance at www. nhsinform.scot/ test-and-protect.