Tests reveal 85 health staff to have Covid-19

Of the 271 staff members tested so far, 85 were found to have the virus and 171 given the all-clear, with another 15 awaiting results.

NHS Borders staff account for almost 40% of the 215 people in the region to have tested positive with the virus to date.

However, despite those testing positive having to self-isolate and being unable to work for seven days, the local health board says it has no worries over staff shortages as yet.

A spokesperson for NHS Borders said: “Staffing is reviewed across our organisation on a daily basis and there are no concerns about staffing in any areas.”

Cliff Sharp, medical director at NHS Borders, added that personal protective equipment (PPE) is being used by staff in accordance with national guidelines.

He said: “We are committed to providing personal protective equipment to our staff in line with national guidance on the appropriate PPE to use in different circumstances.

“On Thursday, April 2, revised guidance was issued by Health Protection Scotland which was agreed across the UK and is consistent with World Health Organisation recommendations.

“The guidance was shared with our staff and we have stressed the importance of adhering to it in order that our stocks of PPE are used appropriately.

“We monitor our availability of PPE on a daily basis and we have not been advised of any fundamental shortages at the moment.

“The safety of our staff and the patients they care for will always be of paramount importance to us.”

The number of inpatients testing positive for the virus is still on the up, with 42 being treated across the region’s hospitals and a further 13 suspected to be sufferers but awaiting test results.

Of those, six patients are being treated in intensive care.

There have now been 28 patients to have recovered from their symptoms and been discharged.

Dr Sharp has praised his staff for their efforts in fighting Covid-19 and caring for those in need of hospital-based care, many of whom are taking on jobs they are not neccessarily contracted for.

He said: “As part of our planning and preparedness for Covid-19, we have redesignated wards to create space for significant number of beds to treat people with Covid-19 if they are needed in the coming weeks.

“Our staff have and continue to work hard to make these changes happen.

“I would like to thank all staff for all that they are doing in preparing for this challenging time and also for their efforts in providing safe care for our patients.

“I would also like to thank the Borders public for adhering to advice by staying at home and helping us to keep our services for those who need them.”

He also had advice for the public to ensure the hospitals will not be overrun.

He said: “In order to prevent the spread of this disease, we urge everyone to stay at home, only go outside for essential food, health and work reasons, stay 2m away from other people and wash your hands regularly.

“If you think you have symptoms of Covid-19, visit www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus

“Do not attend your GP surgery or hospital and please do not phone your GP. If your symptoms worsen, you should phone 111 and be patient whilst your call is answered.

“If you are concerned about serious symptoms not related to Covid-19 such as chest pain, weakness of limbs or loss of speech, you must continue to seek medical assistance.

“We are here to provide care to those with urgent life-threatening symptoms.”