NHS Grampian coronavirus update - capacity to test 500 people, key worker testing in place, three drive-through facilities
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
NHS Grampian has developed a key worker testing programme to help deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
The programme aims to allow those on the front line in the battle with coronavirus, and their families, to be tested and – if testing negative – continue their key work.
This should ensure that key workers are not self-isolating unnecessarily when their skill is required at work.
The health board also told the Northern Scot they have the capacity, at present, to carry out 500 tests per day, with three drive-through testing facilities set up across the region. These are the tents seen outside Linkwood Medical in Elgin and Jubilee Hospital in Huntly.
An NHS Grampian spokesperson said: "We have developed a key worker testing programme from scratch as part of our response to COVID-19.
"Staff who are vital to critical front line services can be tested, or have a symptomatic householder member tested, to allow them to be released from isolation guidance.
"At present this is very focused, due in part to a temporary national shortage of the reagents required for testing. We will be scaling the programme up in coming weeks and making testing available to key workers beyond NHS Grampian.
"We have three drive through facilities (in Huntly, Elgin and Aberdeen) and are in discussion with the Scottish Government to further increase our testing capacity. We have the capacity to run up to 500 tests per day if required."
The most up-to-date figures show 210 people across the Grampian region have been diagnosed with coronavirus. The area covers Moray, as well as Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
The Scot is asked daily how many cases there are in Moray – however, this information will never be readily available due to NHS patient privacy.
Guidance from NHS Grampian remains in line with the Scottish Government.
- Stay at home
- Only go outside for essential food, health and work reasons
- Stay two metres away from other people
- Wash your hands regularly
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
