Call made for key worker accommodation

ANYONE with available accommodation for NHS Shetland and Shetland Islands Council key workers is asked to get in touch as moves are made to create a register of properties.

The health board has already received a number of offers of accommodation for key workers during the coronavirus crisis, but Shetland Islands Council may also need accommodation over the coming months – particularly in outlying areas of the mainland and the outer isles.

Anyone with available accommodation is being asked to get in touch with NHS Shetland, which will maintain a shared register of properties which could be available for key workers.

The health board said that offers already received have been “invaluable”, adding that it is “very grateful to all those who have come forward”.

Shetland Islands Council chief executive Maggie Sandison explained: “We’re aware that there may be individuals and businesses – for example, tourist accommodation providers – who have space which could be used by key workers in our ‘first responder’ category who may have to leave their homes in order to continue working.

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“A single point of contact – shet-hb.tempaccommodation@nhs.net  – has been set up for anyone who may be able to help to get in touch.

“Please provide the address of the property, your terms and conditions, and your contact details.

“In the first instance, priority would obviously be given to those working in the areas of health and social care, but there may be other key workers as time goes on who face the same issues.”