Recovering Elgin dad praises staff at COVID-19 hub
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AN ELGIN painter and decorator has praised staff at Moray's COVID-19 hub as he recovers from his own coronavirus scare.
Father-of-two Grant Fraser (39) was lucky enough not to require hospital treatment after falling ill at the end of April. The key worker, an employee of Bell Group on maintenance work for the Ministry of Defence, said although his case was "mild", the experience was terrifying.
Still struggling with breathlessness and a cough after nearly three weeks, ex-rugby player Grant hopes his story might spark more support for those coping with milder cases of the virus at home.
Grant said: "Back at the end of April, I started to feel flu-like symptoms – a high temperature, sore head, a dry cough with a metallic taste in the mouth, and shaking and chills. After about seven days, my breathing changed – it was very laboured and got a lot worse.
"I booked a swab self-test online and went to the pop-up testing centre in Elgin.
"The next day I couldn't even get out of bed. That night, however, I was told the test result was negative.
"I was relieved and thought, 'brilliant, it must just be a chest infection or something'.
"But I was really struggling, and I spoke to my doctor two days later, who said it certainly sounded like virus symptoms. She said it was possible that I hadn't done the test properly, that maybe I hadn't put the swab far enough up my nose. I was given antibiotics which made no difference.
"I was really ill a couple of days later so phoned NHS24 111 and was assessed by doctors at The Oaks in Elgin, who were absolutely outstanding.
"I had to be in contact with them three times – once a midnight dash to the centre and twice via video call."
Grant asked for another swab test, but was told this would mean having to go to hospital in Aberdeen, and it wasn't needed as it was clear he was experiencing symptoms. After assessment however, they decided against hospital admittance. Grant has since been recovering at home in Pringle Road.
Grant added: "I have been very anxious about it all and very scared.
"There are so many horror stories – people on ventilators and the like – it's easy to get really panicked."
The most difficult aspect, Grant said, has been isolating in a room at home while trying to keep wife, Catherine, and children Innes (9) and Erin (11) safe.
He said: "You're very much alone with your fears. You're scared for other people. The kids wanted cuddles but they had to stay away and I didn't want to say too much to them and get them worried.
"There are people suffering at home who are very much alone. The Oaks were brilliant but the only option of support if you're at home is to phone NHS24 111.
"I think if there was more of a support network for these people – like phone check-ups – that would really help and perhaps lighten the load on The Oaks."
