People in Clydesdale are being reminded that minor injury units at Kello and Lady Home hospitals remain closed.

South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, in discussion with NHS Lanarkshire, took the decision to temporarily close the minor injury units in April.

The change was to further minimise the risk of contracting Covid-19 to the patients at both Kello and Lady Home.

Due to ongoing risk linked to the well-publicised development of cases and clusters in Lanarkshire residents, the minor injury units cannot be reopened at this time.

Craig Cunningham, Head of Commissioning and Performance, South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Temporarily closing a service is not a decision that we take lightly.

“Given the frailty of many of the patients in these hospitals, the decision was taken to reduce the risk by stepping down minor injury services temporarily.

“It’s important to note that these restrictions remain in place at the current time. The minor injuries units will reopen when it is safe to do so.”

Mr Cunningham added: “We would encourage anyone requiring minor injuries services to use the services provided at University Hospital Hairmyres, University Hospital Monklands and University Hospital Wishaw.

“Please don’t ignore the early warning signs of serious conditions. If you are unwell with non-coronavirus symptoms, it’s important to continue to seek medical help by contacting your GP.

“If symptoms worsen out of hours, call 111. In an emergency, dial 999.”

If you or anyone in your household has a high temperature or a new and continuous cough – even if it’s mild everyone in your household must stay at home for 14 days and keep away from others. Do not go to your GP, hospital or pharmacy. Go to www.nhsinform.scot to check your symptoms and follow the specialist medical advice.

More information on COVID-19 can be found at: https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/novel-corona-virus-covid-19/