Coronavirus: NHS Forth Valley implements plans to increase capacity

NHS Forth Valley has confirmed it is working to increase capacity and free up clinical staff in anticipation of an increase in patients who require hospital treatment for coronavirus.

The move comes after Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said yesterday that NHS Scotland was taking steps in order to be ready to face a substantial and sustained increase in Covid-19 cases.

A decision has been taken to postpone all non-urgent elective care to free up capacity in hospitals, while work to double Scotland’s intensive care capacity continues as health boards retrain staff and repurpose existing facilities.

Talking about the current situation locally, a spokesman for NHS Forth Valley said: “We are activating plans to increase our capacity and free up clinical staff to provide care and treatment for patients with coronavirus (COVID-19) who may require to be admitted to hospital.

“This will include increasing the number of ICU beds and providing training to enable additional staff to care for patients with serious respiratory illnesses who may require ventilation.

“As part of ongoing preparations for coronavirus (COVID-19) across NHS Scotland, we are also scaling back non-urgent appointments and operations.

“Any patients affected will be contacted direct and arrangements will be made to reschedule appointments as soon as this is possible.

“Vital cancer treatments, emergency, maternity and urgent care will continue to be provided.”

Speaking yesterday, Ms Freeman said: “We have been clear from the outset about the challenges our health service will face in the weeks and months to come from coronavirus.

“While our NHS is prepared and has a proven track record of dealing with these types of outbreak, we want to free up capacity in our hospital settings, and ensure access to beds for those who need them.

“While these are undoubtedly difficult times, we fully expect our NHS to ensure patients are treated in line with their clinical priority, and the impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients has been a priority in all of our planning.”