Local testing for any Caithness health workers suspected of having coronavirus
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TESTS on Caithness health workers suspected of having coronavirus would be carried out in Wick, NHS Highland has said.
Staff would be tested at Caithness General Hospital and the samples sent away for analysis, the health authority confirmed today.
Responding to questions posed by the John O'Groat Journal, a spokesman for NHS Highland in Inverness said Caithness staff who could have Covid-19 would be tested in Wick, although the samples would be sent away to be checked.
Asked what the procedure would entail, the spokesman said: "Staff contact their manager on day one of self-isolation. Their line manager then contacts NHS Highland’s occupational health department and they contact the member of staff within 24 hours.
"Testing is arranged locally and the results are communicated to the staff member by phone. Occupational health then provides advice to the member of staff and their manager."
The spokesman said the tests take "a few minutes" and added that staff in the NHS Highland area have been tested, but he could not say if any were in Caithness or if any were positive.
Meanwhile, Highland Council has welcomed guidance from the Scottish Government about donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other items.
A single point of contact has been created so any business, community or voluntary organisation wishing to make donations of PPE, scrubs, uniforms and other supplies can be directed to Covid-19NHSsupplychain@gov.scot
Councillor Ben Thompson, who chairs the housing and property committee, said: "We understand that many people in the community want to help in the Covid-19 response and we welcome this support. However, to protect its staff, Highland Council will only accept and use PPE supplies to recommended industry standards which are CE marked – to conform with health and safety standards – in accordance with the personal protective equipment regulations or produced in line with the Scottish Government guidance."
The Scottish Government said any supplies accepted for use across the health and social care system, and for wider key workers, must meet certain quality and safety standards.
