South Ayrshire health chiefs have reached out to the public, asking them to have patience with healthcare services as teams are 'extremely stretched'.

The plea comes as South Ayrshire has seen some of the highest rates of Covid-19 infection since the pandemic began.

And Covid deaths are at their highest levels in six months.

Staff shortages across the system are also causing concern. 

With this in mind, South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership – along with South Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran – is asking everyone to be mindful of the current situation and to do what they can to help.

Billy McClean, Head of Community Health and Care at South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: “Covid-19 is still with us and is continuing to have an impact on our lives. As the restrictions are relaxed, community transmission levels, staff shortages and increased demand across the system are posing a real challenge to the delivery of health and social care.

“It is vital that our communities are aware of the pressures we are experiencing right now and continue to expect over the coming weeks. We strongly advise our community to adhere to the public health guidance, take up the vaccine and any boosters that may be available, and to be mindful of these pressures when accessing health and social care services.

“Staff have been working relentlessly since the start of this pandemic to deliver vital care and support, going above and beyond to provide high quality services to those in hospital, in care homes and receiving other support such as care at home.

“However, at present our community services – care at home, care homes, community nursing, allied health professional, community hospital and primary care – are extremely stretched. In this context we cannot deliver services as we would wish. And as a result we are having to prioritise the most urgent needs."

He continued: “In these challenging circumstances, I’m reaching out to the people of South Ayrshire for some understanding and patience for our teams and other providers of social care who are working extremely hard to deliver support to our most vulnerable residents. We would also encourage you to do what you can within your communities to help support to your neighbours, friends and family.

“I’m sure you will join me in paying tribute to the continued dedication of our staff, as well as those who provide vital services in the third and independent sector. The support we have received from the community and our partners over the past 18 months has been invaluable and we know South Ayrshire’s communities will support the HSCP and support one another through this difficult time.”