Fife MSP seeks assurance on transfer of COVID patients into care homes


Alex Rowley said the move was essential to protect elderly residents.
The Labour MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife has written to the chief executives of NHS Fife and Fife Council, and the director of Fife Health and Social Care Partnership seeking confirmation.
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Hide AdHe said; “The Scottish Government has confused the position by comments from the Health Secretary suggesting it is a matter for clinical and social work teams to decide.
“This cannot be right. I am asking NHS Fife and Fife Council to give an assurance that no one will be admitted into a care home from hospital with COVID and that means any individual must produce 2 negative tests before being transferred into a care home.”
Mr Rowley added: “Given the heartbreaking situation we saw in the first wave I would expect this to be put in place.
“We have a duty to protect care home residents and at a very minimum we must ensure no one is transferred into a care home unless they have been tested twice and they do not have COVID.”
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Claire Dobson, NHS Fife director of acute services, said it continued to follow national guidance.
She added: “Those in our care homes are amongst the most vulnerable to COVID-19.
“We are working closely with local care homes to help prevent clusters of the virus from developing.
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Hide Ad“Where there are positive cases, we are providing tailored support to prevent further transmission and ensure that care homes can maintain the standard of care offered to all residents.”