Concerns Falkirk Council frontline workers don’t have enough protective equipment

While others are being told to stay at home, carers are being asked to attend some of the most vulnerable people in Falkirk – and some say they are not being given enough protection.

It was claimed that Falkirk Council care staff have NOT been told to follow disease control measures and last week a member of the MECS team was in contact with a COVID-19 patient.

The source said: “These workers have no hand sanitiser, no cleaning equipment to clean equipment or any other PPE equipment.”

A health and social care spokesman said: “Unfortunately a member of our Mobile Emergency Care team is self isolating as a precaution following a visit to one of our clients.

“All MECS staff have disposable aprons, gloves, anti-bacterial wipes, soap and hand sanitiser.

“However, given the significant pressure facing our MECS and our Care at Home Services, we would ask that anyone receiving our support lets us know as soon as possible, if they or anyone they live with, has any symptoms of COVID-19.

“This will ensure our staff can come prepared with additional equipment when visiting, which in turn will reduce the need for any more of our staff to self isolate during these difficult times.

“We have experienced issues obtaining supplies of Personal Protective Equipment  (PPE), given the unprecedented demand across Scotland.

“However, we have some limited supplies that are being distributed to front line staff. We are expecting further deliveries of equipment in the coming days.

“The health and safety of our workforce and those who use our services is paramount, and all Council staff including our MECS staff are being advised to follow national advice and guidelines which are widely available on our own website and NHS Scotland.”