WORK has been continuing to take place in response to cases of COVID-19 associated with Galloway Community Hospital in Stranraer.
A total of 13 positive cases of COVID have been confirmed among patients associated with the outbreak at the hospital. The hospital’s Garrick Ward remains closed to new admissions and routine visiting.
This will be reviewed regularly with an aim to open up admissions and visiting as early as possible. Essential visiting is for end of life, children, and patients with mental health issues including dementia, learning disabilities and autism.
It is possible that some services at GCH may be affected by the actions which are being undertaken, and anyone affected by that will be contacted directly.
Very sadly, in the last week one patient in the hospital has died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID. Thoughts are with their family and with the staff at this difficult time.
This comes as COVID continues to spread in the community. Though the spread of the new Omicron variant is slowing, many new cases are continuing to emerge across Dumfries and Galloway. Outbreaks are also being managed in several care homes across the region.
An outbreak associated with Annan Cottage Hospital is now resolved, and the hospital has reopened to admissions, patient transfers and routine visiting.
A reminder is issued of the great importance of following current rules and guidance. Anyone who has tested positive for COVID must self-isolate immediately and keep self-isolating for at least seven days. They can take lateral flow tests on days 6 and 7, and, if these are negative, they can stop isolating, but they still should not visit hospitals until day 10.
It is also vitally important that anyone who believes they may be experiencing any symptoms of COVID immediately self-isolates, arranges to have a COVID test, and continues to self-isolate until results are received.
Regular testing is encouraged, and can take place at a test centre or at home.
To book a COVID test at a test centre, or order home test kits, please visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-testing.
