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.
READ MORE: NHS Ayrshire and Arran cancels operations to give COVID-19 patients beds
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.”
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