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.

He 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.

“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.”

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