An Edinburgh operating theatre nurse showed up to work just two days after arriving back from Bulgaria, when she should have quarantined for two weeks.
The nurse, who works at the private Spire Murrayfield hospital, arrived back from a three-week holiday in Bulgaria on Saturday 29 August but failed to quarantine as per government guidelines, instead showing up for work the following Monday.
Bulgaria has been on the quarantine list since July and currently reports around 100 COVID-19 cases per day.
The nurse spent around 20 minutes at work before she was asked to leave.
Staff screened her at the entrance but then asked her to go home after they found she breached the rules.
A staff member, who did not want to be named, told the Evening News: "Everyone knew she had just returned from her three week holiday in Bulgaria.
"I felt extremely anxious and fearful for patient safety.
"I was also scared for my own health and safety as well as my family's."
The nurse did not come into contact with any patients while she was at the hospital.
A Spire Healthcare spokesperson said: “Rigorous safety processes are in place within our hospitals, for the protection of all patients, staff and consultants.
"Everyone is screened and temperature checked before entering our buildings. Masks are compulsory, hand-washing stations, social distancing measures and safe pathways are in operation across our hospitals.
"One colleague, having returned from a country not on the Scottish Government exemption list, attended for work on Monday and was promptly asked to leave the hospital before her shift started.
"The colleague was reminded of Scottish Government guidance regarding self-isolation. There is no suggestion this colleague is COVID positive.”
