People across Lanarkshire are being reminded that they must proactively inform visiting community health and social care staff if they are showing signs of having Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Patients, service users (or a family member representing someone in receipt of services) should inform their health and social care professional if they have COVID-19 related symptoms by telephone, ahead of the visit.

This vitally important information will allow necessary steps to protect the health of the workforce whilst helping to reduce the potential spread of the virus to other patients and service users.

The plea – from the respective chief officers of North and South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnerships – has been made following various incidences of people not disclosing symptoms until the visit is taking place.

Ross McGuffie, chief officer, Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: “Our partnership with people in communities is as crucial as it’s ever been as unprecedented demand on our workforce continues to increase.

“It is vitally important that the public helps us to keep as many of our staff as safe as possible to ensure they can 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.”

Val de Souza, chief officer of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: “It is crucial that any symptoms associated with COVID-19 are disclosed before any of our staff visit so that they can protect themselves, and others, accordingly.

“People will still receive a service, but they do need to tell us so staff can prepare accordingly.

“It is clear that we face a challenge which we have not seen before in our lifetimes. Our overriding objective is about protecting the lives of our service users, patients and our staff. We are hugely grateful for the support of communities, working together with us.”