NHS Forth Valley prepare for 'second wave' of COVID-19

As another lockdown looms large NHS Forth Valley states it has ‘many existing measures’ in place to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 in its hospitals and community facilities.
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While it did not give any details of how it would cope if a second wave of COVID-19 patients began to fill up its hospital wards, NHS Forth Valley did reassure Falkirk residents, NHS staff and existing patients it would do all it could to protect them.

Responding to The Falkirk Herald’s question this morning about any preparations it was making for the possibility of a second lockdown, NHS Forth Valley said it already had measures in place.

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A spokesperson said: “Many existing measures to help reduce the risk of infection remain in place across our hospitals and community facilities and we will continue to follow all current and new national guidance to protect the health of patients and staff.”

NHS Forth Valley says it has a number of measure in place in its hospitals and facilities - including Forth Valley Royal - to minimise the risk of COVID-19NHS Forth Valley says it has a number of measure in place in its hospitals and facilities - including Forth Valley Royal - to minimise the risk of COVID-19
NHS Forth Valley says it has a number of measure in place in its hospitals and facilities - including Forth Valley Royal - to minimise the risk of COVID-19

This short response comes just days after NHS Forth Valley confirmed a ward at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert had been temporarily closed following detection of COVID-19 positive cases.

NHS Forth Valley stated there will be no new admissions or visiting while investigations are carried out.

In a statement, a health authority spokesperson said: “NHS Forth Valley can confirm that a ward at Forth Valley Royal Hospital has been temporarily closed to new admissions and visiting has been paused as a precautionary measure whilst investigations are undertaken into a small number of cases of COVID-19 identified through test and protect.

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“To respect and maintain confidentiality, no further details will be released. Staff, patients and their families have been informed of the development and close contacts are being followed up by our Test and Protect Team.

“NHS Forth Valley is taking every measure to protect staff and patients and in line with national guidance, have notified Health Protection Scotland.”

The COVID-19 restrictions currently in place at hospitals include all patients and visitors wearing face coverings when they attend for appointments or to visit a patient.

When someone arrives at the hospital at the moment they are greeted by a member of staff who will confirm their reason for attending. They will also be asked to sanitise their hands with hand gel and given a face mask to wear, if they are not already wearing one.

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They will be asked to maintain physical distancing throughout their time at the premises.

Visiting procedures may be subject to change following any further lockdown announcements, but at the moment patients in most hospital wards can have one designated visitor who should arrange a 30 minute appointment time in advance with the ward to help maintain physical distancing and avoid overcrowding.

A maximum of three visitors will be allowed in a ward at any one time and visit will last 30 minutes to help ensure all patients have the opportunity to have a visitor.

Visit www.nhsforthvalley.com for more information.