Thousands of NHS Grampian patients wrongly told they were in coronavirus shielded group
It meant for weeks they couldn't leave their homes
Last updated 6th May 2020
NHS Grampian have apologised to 3,361 people it wrongly told were on the shielded group - those most at risk from COVID-19.
The cancer patients were told they could not leave their homes, and their contact with others was strictly limited.
But weeks later they received a follow up letter, saying they should not have been on the list.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "When NHS Grampian searched their records to identify those who should shield, they applied search criteria which were too wide. This resulted in around 3,300 people living in the Grampian region being incorrectly advised that they were at the highest clinical risk from Covid-19.
"When the error came to light, NHS Grampian searched its records again to make sure that these people were not at highest risk.
"We deeply regret the distress caused by this mistake. A letter of apology has been sent on behalf of the Chief Medical Officer to the people affected and we have ensured that services being provided are maintained until patients can make alternative arrangements."
The Scottish Government is not aware of issues in any other health board area.
The issue was raised be Moray MP Douglas Ross, after hearing one of his constituents - a man in his 80s - was given "conflicting information."
He says he's "shocked and appalled" that so many people in the North East are affected.
And NHS Grampian spokesperson says: " The process of identification of people for shielding from NHS records has been complicated. We worked very hard to resolve these issues as soon as they were flagged up and apologise profusely to any patients who may have been affected by this error."
Adam Stachura from Age Scotland says: "This exercise in shielding letters is new to the Government and it's concerning the numbers who have been told they needed to when it wasn't required"
"With such a rural and remote part of the country it's a difficult thing for them to do and be able to live well. The levels of loneliness they are experiencing will be almost alien to them"
"We know that shielding is having a significant impact on mental health and for those who may be concerned about coronavirus information, or just looking for other advice or support, they can call the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 14 222"