WORK has been taking place in response to cases of COVID-19 associated with Galloway Community Hospital in Stranraer.
A total of seven positive cases of COVID have been confirmed among patients associated with the outbreak at the hospital. The hospital’s Dalrymple 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. Visiting is still permitted for end of life patients 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.
This comes as COVID continues to spread in the community. Case numbers are high in the Stranraer area and across Dumfries and Galloway. Outbreaks are also being managed in several care homes across the region.
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.
