Ayrshire’s NHS stopped testing over 70s for COVID-19 every four days during October, only to start it up again after a nurse turned whistleblower.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran stopped serial testing of over 70s inpatients, based on guidance from the Chief Nursing Officer. It meant patients over 70-years-old were only tested for COVID-19 at the point of admission between October 9 and November 2.

But due to increased transmission of the virus in the community, NHS Ayrshire and Arran has decided to reinstate the serial test arrangements.

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Tragically, 32 people died from the virus in October, having tested positive within 28 days of their death.

Across Ayrshire, 2,674 people tested positive for COVID-19 last month.

Dr Crawford McGuffie, NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s Medical Director, said: “Current evidence within Ayrshire and Arran indicates increased transmission of COVID-19 within the community.

“Therefore, from November 2, we will be reinstating COVID-19 serial testing arrangements for inpatients aged over 70 years of age.”