Health / Lerwick doctors offering reduced service amid staff shortage
NHS Shetland says its Lerwick doctors practice will be prioritising emergency appointments on Thursday and Friday amid staff shortages as a result of the increased number of Covid-19 cases in the islands.
Earlier this week the health board said it was encountering some staff shortages at the Gilbert Bain Hospital, which were not affecting patient care, as a result of people being asked to self-isolate.
On Thursday NHS Shetland primary cary services manager Lisa Watt said: “Our colleagues in the Lerwick practice are dealing with staffing pressures this week and as a result will prioritise emergency appointments on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th July.
“If you need advice please look at the NHS Inform website, which has an excellent self-help guide. Your local pharmacy can also help with minor ailments. We apologise for this reduction in service but please e assured that all emergency issues will be prioritised. Thank you for your understanding.”
There have been over 100 Covid-19 cases in Shetland throughout July. The health board reiterated that the best way of stopping spread of the virus is to “wear face coverings, wash hands, avoid crowded places and keep distant from others when possible”.
NHS Shetland is also encouraging twice-weekly lateral flow testing, and kits can be ordered online, via the phone or collected locally.
Anyone with Covid symptoms should immediately self-isolate with their household and request a PCR test. If the test result is positive the individual and identified contacts have to self-isolate in line with instructions from contact tracers, usually for 10 days.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.