Hairmyres Hospital is in the midst of a staffing crisis after a number of staff tested positive for Covid-19.
Bosses at the East Kilbride hospital confirmed that a number of employees are currently isolating after testing positive, with other staff members also isolating after being identified as close contacts.
The staff shortage is reported to have sparked “chaos” within the hospital’s A&E and vascular wards, the Daily Record reports.
However, NHS Lanarkshire refused to confirm which departments have been impacted or the numbers of staff that are currently in isolation.
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Russell Coulthard, NHS Lanarkshire deputy director of acute services, said staff were being drafted in from other areas to make sure vital services are delivered.
He said: “We can confirm that a number of staff have tested positive for Covid-19 and are currently isolating.
“NHS Lanarkshire’s Test and Protect team has carried out contact tracing with a number of staff having been identified as close contacts and are isolating for a 10-day period in line with current national guidance.
“This is adding to existing staffing challenges across health services. We are deploying staff from other areas to ensure our services can deliver effective patient care.”
Mr Coulthard has also warned healthcare staff and members of the public in Lanarkshire to be extra vigilant and do all they can to minimise the risk of infection.
He added: “The emergence of the new Omicron variant in Lanarkshire, which may be three times more transmissible than the Delta variant, is already having a negative impact on many of our health services and this pressure is likely to increase in the coming weeks.
“As a result, we have asked all staff to pay particular attention to staying Covid-19 safe during the Christmas and New Year festive season.
“We urge our staff and the public to do all they can to minimise the risk of spreading infection - take regular lateral flow tests, especially before you socialise, continue to wear a face covering, maintain good hand hygiene, ventilate rooms and get your vaccine.
“We also urge the people of Lanarkshire to access the right care at the right place and keep emergency departments free for those with emergency care needs.”
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