Report provides update on Covid
A new report highlights the progress made combating the coronavirus pandemic in North Lanarkshire.
Local health and social care par tnership head officer, Ross McGuffie, informed the Adult Health and Social Care Committee last Tuesday that 111 people were currently being treated on an inpatient basis and there had been no deaths in the previous 24 hours, but six patients were in level three intensive care. A further two patients were being treated off-site.
Six outbreaks were ongoing in care homes, affecting 11 residents and 14 staff and the booster programme was expected to have a significant impact with regard to care homes.
A total of 338 cases of coronavirus were reported across the whole of North Lanarkshire, while in excess of 1.1 million doses of the vaccine had been administered, with 160,000 boosters and 170,000 seasonal flu vaccines.
Mr McGuffie added that a great deal of support work was being carried out in relation to care homes, including regular meetings involving senior staff and visits to homes.
Early in the pandemic, there were issues with personal protective equipment but there are currently no problems reported.
The report paid tribute to all involved in fighting Covid-19. It stated: “There has been a tremendous effort across the whole system (including third and independent sectors, communities and public partners) in building our response to the pandemic.
“The dedication, bravery and commitment of all of our frontline staff should be commended in supporting us to continue to deliver a strong service to our residents in North Lanarkshire.
“The delivery of the Covid vaccination campaign is now at an advanced stage, with Lanarkshire comparing very positively against the Scottish averages.
“Whole system pressures over the summer months show no sign of relenting, with significant and complex demand across both hospital and community services.
“Recovery and service remobilisation is ever more important ahead of inevitable winter pressures, with processes now being put in place to learn from recent experiences and create updated winter contingency plans.”
Committee members welcomed the report, with convener Councillor Tom Fisher (Labour, Cumbernauld North) saying it contained “fantastic” figures.
The committee agreed to recognise the progress made around the pandemic and supported the work commenced on recovery.