Assessment hubs for people who may need medical attention for Coronavirus (Covid-19) have gone live in Lanarkshire.
As part of the robust emergency response to the pandemic, NHS Lanarkshire has now established a Community Telephone Triage Hub and two Covid-19 Assessment Centres (CAC) in the area.
Members of the public are urged to note that testing will not be available from these facilities and assessment is by prior appointment only.
These facilities will dovetail with the NHS Lanarkshire Out of Hours service.
Maria Docherty: Nurse Director of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: “As the number of people with symptoms continues to grow, we are adapting quickly to manage the daily growth in demand.
“The set-up of these centres are part of emergency operational arrangements being undertaken, in line with Scottish Government plans, to respond to the ongoing public health crisis.”
Steps that members of the public should take if they are experiencing Coronavirus symptoms are detailed below. Ms Docherty stressed this guidance should be adhered to rigidly.
“It is clear that we face a challenge which we have not seen before in our lifetimes.
“Following the steps detailed is vitally important in helping NHS Lanarkshire to get the right help at the right time to people when they require it.
“It is vitally important that members of the public note that facilities and assessment is by prior appointment only. Do not present at an assessment centre otherwise. Adhering this will help us to keep as many of our staff as safe as possible and can help us ensure we help our most vulnerable patients.
“We understand that this is a very anxious time for people, however everyone has a duty to minimise the spread of the virus and keep our staff safe so they can continue to care for people.”
The following clear steps should now be taken:
- Patients with coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms are now asked to dial NHS 24 on 111, day or night, if their symptoms worsen or do not improve after seven days.
- Please do not call your practice or go to the surgery. If you require a sick note due to coronavirus, you can get this from the NHS Inform website.
- This will provide patients with a straightforward dedicated route to clinical advice and support.
- Callers to the 111 helpline will be assessed. If necessary, following this initial assessment, information will be forwarded to a local community hub in Lanarkshire staffed by clinicians from across the healthcare system. The staff at the hub will call you back. These call backs will be triaged and we thank you in advance for your patience.
- Depending on their assessment, patients may be given advice to help them continue self-isolating at home or be given an appointment to attend a local assessment centre for further treatment.
- NHS Inform’s coronavirus webpage is still the fastest way for people to get the latest health advice and information. There is also a free NHS 24 helpline for people without symptoms looking for general information on coronavirus. Call 0800 028 2816
- For patients who do not have any coronavirus symptoms, they should continue to telephone their GP when open and not call NHS 24.
- In the out of hours period, when displaying symptoms other than coronavirus, you should only call 111 if you need urgent assessment and cannot wait until your GP is open.
