NHS Lanarkshire is to receive further military assistance throughout January as the health board continues to battle substantial pressure caused by Covid-19 and its new Omicron variant.
A total of 32 service personnel will begin induction training on January 7 and will assist medics across the county for a period of four weeks.
It marks the second time in three months that military assistance has been provided in the area, with 63 personnel ranging from medics to drivers being called in during October.
Lanarkshire is one of three Scottish health boards to be receiving support next month “to help manage growing pressures as a result of Omicron”, after the Scottish Government approved the deployment under the Military Assistance for Civilian Authorities programme.
Health secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The emergence of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 is adding to the winter pressures usually faced by the NHS which is why boards have requested military support to complement existing resources.
“I’m grateful to military personnel for their efforts at this time, along with all frontline staff in our NHS for the vital role they play in help keeping us safe.
“At this time it is also particularly important that we continue to take all precautions to prevent transmission – so test regularly for the virus, limit socialising, wear face marks where required and open windows to improve ventilation.”
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
