A nurse at one of Scotland’s leading cancer centres has been diagnosed with coronavirus.
The woman, a breast care specialist nurse at the Beatson in Glasgow, is understood to be in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Her condition is unknown.
Yesterday, colleagues voiced concerns that she may have got it as a result of a lack of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
A member of staff at the Beatson, where some of the country’s most vulnerable patients are treated, said: “We are not allowed to use masks unless a patient shows signs of having the virus or is confirmed as having Covid-19.
“This doesn’t protect us or the patients.”
She said that even when symptoms are shown or a diagnosis made, they are told to use only paper masks, not the water-resistible ones which are recommended.
The source said: “Patients who have found out about the nurse being infected have been calling up and asking questions about whether they should come for treatment or not.”
Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board said: “We completely understand this is an anxious time for people working in the NHS and want to reassure our staff that their welfare is paramount as we deal with the Covid-19 situation.”
It added that it followed the guidance on the virus from Health Protection Scotland in terms of appropriate PPE for staff and said: “We are unable to confirm information of any Covid-19 cases within Greater Glasgow and Clyde.”
