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Two incoming health professionals with covid were not tested for the virus before starting work in the Stornoway hospital.

The pair have been off work since being diagnosed on Thursday. Other doctors and staff they worked alongside are now isolating, creating staffing issues.

The health authority confirmed the two did not acquire the virus locally which suggests they contracted coronoavirus on the mainland.

NHS Western Isles would not comment on suggestions they are junior doctors who previously worked at a mainland hospital.

It’s thought their positive diagnosis means up to another eight doctors and staff at the hospital could not continue their duties and had to self-isolate. The health board would not state a figure.

Contingency measures had to be very rapidly implemented to ensure services keep running at the Western Isles Hospital.

A third employee in the same hospital has since tested positive for coronavirus.

Western Isles NHS says it tests in line with Scottish Government policy.

A health board spokeswoman said: “We don't currently test incoming healthcare staff as testing only gives you the viral status at the time of the test and not if you are incubating it.  

“And if you have already had Covid-19, you may continue to test positive for weeks although you pose no risk of transmission.  

“We expect all our healthcare professionals, whether indigenous or travelling from the mainland to be meticulous about following the legal requirements and the professional guidance to prevent risk of transmission.”

She added: “NHS Western Isles is awaiting delivery of lateral flow self tests this week and this will be introduced in future in line with Scottish Government policy for patient facing staff.

“Any incoming patient-facing healthcare worker will join the programme.  But of course, vigilance for symptoms - and staying off when you have any and seeking a test - together with appropriate use of PPE, physical distancing and respiratory and hand hygiene remain the mainstays for preventing the spread of this virus.”


 


Medics with covid were not tested before starting work in Stornoway hospital  

16 December 2020