Where can I find advice and information as a healthcare professional?
Health Protection Scotland has published a range of resources and information for practitioners on the COVID-19 response. Always check the HPS website to ensure that any guidance you are using is the latest version.
Members of the public seeking information should be directed to the NHS Inform site.
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Preventing infection in common work areas - what to do (@15/03/2020)
The following guidance relates to preventing infection in common work areas. Healthcare professionals should continue to follow 'Infection prevention and control in healthcare settings' guidance, available via the HPS website.
What can we do in the workplace to prevent spread of respiratory infections?
- If you feel symptoms consistent with Coronavirus, however mild, you should self-isolate for 7 days. The most common symptoms are a new continuous cough and/or high temperature.
- You only need to self-isolate if you are experiencing symptoms.
- You do not need to self-isolate even if you have had contact with someone who has tested positive.
- We have set out further steps for staff and line managers in this document.
You should:
- Wash hands often with soap and water
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Wherever possible, avoid direct contact with people that have a respiratory illness and avoid using their personal items such as their mobile phone
- Cover coughs and sneezes (nose and mouth) with disposable tissues, then dispose of these in the nearest waste bin after use - and then wash your hands
- Ensure any crockery and cutlery in shared kitchen areas is cleaned with warm general purpose detergent and dried thoroughly before being stored for re-use
- Avoid leaving food stuffs (e.g. crisps, open sandwiches) exposed and open for communal sharing unless individually wrapped
For the latest on Coronavirus, check the NHS Inform pages.
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Please see here for a copy of an update as at 21st February 2020 outlining the New regulations coming into effect on Saturday 22 February 2020.
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The National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2020 introduces exemption from charging for the diagnosis and treatment of the Wuhan novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
It is vital that all NHS and healthcare staff understand the change means the NHS in Scotland (as in the rest of the UK), will not be charging overseas patients with suspected Wuhan novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). NHS Board staff must be clear that any overseas visitors who think they have Wuhan novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) but do not, will also not be charged to ensure absolutely no one is deterred from getting tested.