Patients may have been moved into Fife care homes without coronavirus testing

Patients could have been moved from hospitals to care homes in Fife without being tested for coronavirus.

Councillors were told this morning some may not have been checked - despite procedures being followed.

At the policy and co-ordination committee meeting - staged online for the first time since lockdown - Councillor Neil Crooks asked if “no-one had been released direct without being tested before hand.”

Nicky Connor director of health care, said Goverment advice on discharge has been followed at all times, but added: “There may have been discharges without testing in advance.

“We have protocols for testing before discharge. These testing procedures have grown during this time.”

Councillor David Ross, co-leader, noted that not every discharge from hospital went to a care home - many returned to their family home.

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/politics/council/fife-council-plans-taskforce-lead-lockdown-recovery-2860465

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/britains-got-talent-finalist-supports-fife-cancer-care-centre-virtual-fundraiser-2860361

Added Nicky: “Where possible we would want people to be cared for at home.

“Some may have had a requirement to go into a care home while waiting on package to meet their care needs. Our focus is on ensuring care for people to fit their needs. It is not about a direct discharge from hospitals to care homes.

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