NHS Highland’s medical director has reiterated the health service remains open to patients with non-Covid related illnesses and has asked Highlanders to ensure they seek medical treatment if it is required.
Dr Boyd Peters has made the plea to ensure healthcare and treatment is sought by those experiencing issues requiring professional assistance with fears some have refrained due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Medical Director said: “In line with national messaging we are open for business.
“We don’t want people who have other health problems to delay contacting us, particularly if it’s an emergency.
“We are aware that people may be worried and may delay ringing because they have hurt themselves or they have got symptoms which suggest a heart attack or some other urgent matter, such as an infection which is not Covid, which they would normally seek medical advice.
“We really want to get the message out that we have reconfigured services and facilities so that, although we are very geared to handle all things Covid, we are still able to handle all things that may happen to people in their general health.”
NHS Highland’s medical director has said early signs have so far suggested the spread of the disease in the Highlands has been managed well by the lockdown, however, has urged highlanders to follow advice and respect social distancing measures as the UK moves into an additional three-week lockdown.
Dr Peters said: “We want to thank the public in the Highlands for working so well within the measures which were put in place.
“It is working and it is saving lives and we would really like them to stick with it.
“If we all stick with it this will suppress the virus and will allow us to open up for general business sooner.”
Dr Peters has said hospitals across the region, including the north’s flagship hospital Raigmore, are coping well with the number of patients it has received but has warned despite lower figures in reported cases than predicted, “there is no room for complacency”.
He added: “Covid is in the Highlands.
“It does exist, it is real, it is harming people but the numbers we are seeing are not as bad as we had feared and if lockdown continues that number can remain under control and be manageable for the health service.
“We want people to know the NHS is open and lockdown appears to be working – please stick with it.
“Lockdown really matters. Three weeks you’ve been great but please don’t relax.
“You can save lives too.”
