ELC are unable to provide us with specific details on the use of 'volunteers' to assist the community, at this time. Their latest update is:
ELC, like all Scottish Councils, await advice/guidance from Scottish Government on the use of volunteers. Once this is received, I am sure it will be highlighted on the web and I will send you another update.
However, 'social distancing' guidance/advice must be followed for everyone's best health. Therefore no group meetings etc. Please follow this guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
Note however that this guidance does not yet reflect the measures / instructions introduced by the government in regard to NOT GOING OUT!!
Visiting hospitals has also been suspended - see the press release below. However, the overriding instruction is in any case the Government's in regard to NOT GOING OUT Our advice is, as before, to attempt to set up mutual support groups or at least contact your neighbours if you feel they may need help, if it is possible to do that without breaching the Governmentís instructions
Note also that the virus can persist for some time, for days on some surfaces, including paper. Beware touching anything entering your house, post, deliveries etc. ñ there will be more of these from now on. We have asked for specific guidance from ELC on how to deal with this issue, and this will be posted on the website when received.
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/how-to-prevent-germs-from-spreading/ gives general guidance (not specific to coronavirus).
Take care, stay well
PRESS RELEASE -NHS Lothian suspends visiting to help protect patients and staff
NHS Lothian has today (24/03) announced that visiting will be suspended to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and to protect vulnerable patients, as well as staff. This move will come into effect from today.
Professor Alex McMahon, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Healthcare Professionals, NHS Lothian said: ìAcross NHS Lothian, Scotland and the UK, we are experiencing profound changes in our daily lives as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19). Now, more than ever, we need to work together. To our patients and their families, I would urge you to help us by respecting this difficult decision.î Visiting will continue in specific circumstances; for example patients receiving end-of-life care, for inpatients in our childrenís services and those accompanying partners during childbirth. Visiting arrangements for these groups should only take place following discussions with senior charge nurses or midwives.
Professor Alex McMahon added: ìI understand that not being able to visit family members while they are in hospital may be upsetting and I would like to assure the public that this decision has not been taken lightly. ìAll across the UK, people are being urged to stay at home where they can and to limit social interactions, instead using phone and video calls to stay in touch with family and friends.
ìThe decision to suspend visiting may be unpopular with some patients and their families, but it has been made to help protect the safety of your loved ones and our staff.î To stay up to date with the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) advice, visit NHS Inform: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
A free helpline has been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice. This can be accessed by calling 0800 028 2816. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 10:00pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am - 6:00pm. We understand that the public may have questions in relation to this. This is why we have prepared some FAQs.
Why can't I visit?
Social distancing is really important to try and limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Last night new measures were introduced across the UK, urging people to stay at home. We need to 'shield' certain people who are at higher risk than others and this includes those who are already unwell.
By suspending visiting, we hope to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) helping to protect your loves ones and our staff.
Can I get personal items like clothes, nightclothes, toiletries to my loved one?
We understand that having personal items such as clothes and your own toiletries if you are in hospital is really important. If relatives need to bring personal items to their loved ones, they can still do this, but are expected to leave the items with the ward staff and not enter the ward.
If I want to give my loved one a phone or an iPad to communicate with me can I hand this in?
Yes, but like handing in clothes or toiletries you will be expected to leave the items with the ward staff and not enter the ward.
What if my child is in an adult ward, can I visit them?
If your child (up to the age of 18) happens to be in an adult ward, the nurse in charge will be able to advise when to visit and any constraints that may be placed around the visit. We would remind families, that if they have any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) such as a high temperature and/or a new persistent cough, they should remain at home.
My partner is due to give birth, will I still be able to attend?
At present, birthing partners are permitted to attend, however we ask that this is limited to just one person. The midwife in charge will be able to advise of any restraints that may be placed around the visit. We would remind birthing partners, that if they have any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) such as a high temperature and/or a new persistent cough, they should remain at home.
