A VERY speedy response has followed the detection of COVID cases associated with Galloway Community Hospital in Stranraer.
Rapid testing of patients and staff within the hospital has provided a greater understanding of the situation, and a measure of assurance.
A total of nine positive cases of COVID have been confirmed among patients associated with the outbreak at the hospital.
The hospital’s Garrick Ward has now been closed to new admissions, transfers and routine visiting. This will be reviewed regularly with an aim to open up admissions and visiting as early as possible. Essential visiting is for end of life, children, and patients with mental health issues including dementia, learning disabilities and autism.
It is possible that some services at GCH may be affected by the actions which are being undertaken, and anyone affected by that will be contacted directly.
This comes as COVID continues to spread in the community. Though the spread of the new Omicron variant is slowing, many new cases are continuing to emerge across Dumfries and Galloway. Elsewhere in the region, Annan Cottage Hospital continues to manage its own outbreak, with 15 patients testing positive for COVID as of Monday 24 January, and outbreaks are also being managed in several care homes across the region.
A reminder is issued of the great importance of following current rules and guidance. Anyone who has tested positive for COVID or been in close contact with someone with COVID must self-isolate immediately and keep self-isolating for at least seven days. They can take lateral flow tests on days 6 and 7, and, if these are negative, they can stop isolating, but they still should not visit vulnerable individuals, care homes, prisons or hospitals until 10 days after first becoming symptomatic or testing positive for COVID when they didn’t have symptoms.
Anyone who believes they may be experiencing any symptoms of COVID must immediately self-isolate, arrange to have a COVID test and continue to self-isolate until results are received.
Regular testing for COVID-19 via a Lateral Flow Test is recommended, whether you have symptoms or not, and also before socialising or travelling. Everyone visiting someone in hospital should take a lateral flow test before they arrive.
For full information on testing, visit www.nhsdg.co.uk/testing
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