Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has agreed to look into “unacceptable” coronavirus testing delays at a Moray care home.
This move comes after MSP Jamie Halcro Johnson quizzed the Health Secretary over a three-week delay for testing at Keith’s Glenisla facility.
Earlier this month, a resident at the home tested positive for the virus while in hospital.
Since then there have been three more cases of Covid-19 inside the home.
Mrs Freeman said that she would investigate claims that secondary testing was not being made available to Glenisla residents.
She said: “It is not acceptable to take three weeks for something like this to happen, 24 hours is the right time period for us to move into test, trace, isolation and support.
“I want to look into this case with great detail.”
The minister added that the official guidance in care homes where there were confirmed cases is that secondary testing should take place.
Mr Halcro Johnston said that it was concerning that tests are sometimes taking five days to process, which has put residents and staff at further risk.
He said: “I am disappointed that, three weeks after the original case of Convid-19 was confirmed, and having raised this case with the First Minister, I’m still having to chase up the Scottish Government to make sure their own guidance is followed.
“Prompt testing, following by secondary testing, would give care homes the best chance of identifying any new cases, isolating those with the virus.”
The Conservative politician says that he will continue to exert pressure for secondary testing to be implemented.
Meanwhile it has emerged that the NHS is investigating problems at Seafield Hospital in Buckie after confirmed cases among the staff and patients led to a ward being closed to new admissions.
A spokeswoman said: “Enhanced cleaning and infection prevention and control measures have been put in place and support is being provided to both patients and staff.”
