Preparations in place across Highland to deal with worst of Coronavirus

An Inverness doctor is hailing the 'co-operation and collaboration' in making sure the best preparations are in place to deal with Coronavirus cases across Highland.

Dr Iain Kennedy's helping out at a Coronavirus assessment facility at the Mackenzie Centre, Inverness.

'It didn't take a second thought, many of the GPs have been trained to do this, so there was no hesitation'

Dr Kennedy was among a group of NHS Highland whistleblowers who campaigned against bullying within the Health Service.

'It's important to remember, many of the whistleblowers have maintained their roles within NHS Highland and haven't left service. If anything the relationships have improved over the last year'

'We are working towards a common mission and a common aim, so it's actually a joy to see'

While Highland might not have experienced the worse of the Coronavirus within the UK, Dr Kennedy believes it's important that we are prepared for what could become a worsening situation in the weeks to come.

'The past two weeks have been hectic with every part of the health service preparing for an increased number of cases'

'There are now going to be 13 COVID-19 centres around NHS Highland, one of those is going to be at the MacKenzie Centre in Inverness'

Scottish Government has launched its campaign for volunteers to help out during the crisis but already health workers have been answering the call-to-arms in tackling the virus.

'I asked my wife and children... they're concerned that I might contract the virus, or even pass it on to them'

Dr Kennedy said: 'I'm extremely impressed with the teamwork, there's a real spirit of co-operation and collaboration'

'It's all about leadership, planning and preparation, so management are working harder than anyone else at the moment'

Amid his own work within the measures which are currently in place, Dr Kennedy says it's understandable that his own family should have worries about his own health.

'I asked my wife and children if they were concerned and they are. They're concerned that I might contract the virus, or even pass it on to them'

'So I was able to listen to their concerns and point out to the children that they are in a low-risk group, and I was also able to explain about the protective equipment we use and the hygiene methods we employ'

Preparations to handle cases have been laid out, with at the first part to assess those cases who may be suffering a persistent cough or a high temperature, and much of that has been done remotely.

Dr Kennedy said: 'We've been through a large volume of calls with patients, those who may have been developing symptoms related to COVID-19, and those not necessarily down to the virus'

However with those measures there have also been other pressures which have occurred in recent weeks on the Health Service and other related facilities.

'We've been asking patients to only order what they need with prescriptions and not stockpile, as that has also been putting a huge strain on General Practice and also we've seen the pressure it's put on pharmacies'

'We can understand people are trying to plan and prepare, but people need to follow the advice issued, the likes of Professor Jason Leitch has been giving clear and concise information, and also there's the NHSInform.scot website or the helpline 111.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman expects improved supply of protective equipment from today.

On Sunday, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told a Downing Street briefing that 170 million masks, some 42.8 million gloves, 13.7 million aprons, 182,000 gowns, almost 10 million items of cleaning equipment and 2.3 million pairs of eye protectors were being delivered to frontline staff. Despite that, Dr Kennedy admits it doesn't stop some concerns about the supply of protective equipment.

'There is concern amongst health professionals about the provision of PPE, but that's something that's been put to Boris Johnson and our First Minister by the British Medical Association'

'On a personal level, I'm happy to follow the Health Protection Scotland advice, but it'll be up to each individual to make their own decisions based on which part of the health service you're working in and the risks you may face'

While many doctors and nurse have been highlighted for their work, it's right across the board that Dr Kennedy's seen volunteers and other sector of the Health Service come forward to take on the challenge of Coronavirus.

'There are a good number of GPs and nurses going above-and-beyond, as well as other members of staff'

'People are fogetting about annual leave or days off, they're coming forward - domestics, administrators, they're getting on with it - and giving their time'

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• nhs highland
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• raigmore hospital