More than 700 additional staff members at north-east hospitals have been trained to use specialised protective clothing, while scores of trainees have been drafted in early to help fight coronavirus.
NHS Grampian’s Infection Prevention Control team has ensured staff can safely deal with suspected and confirmed Covid-19 patients.
Nurses, doctors and other frontline workers can now put on and take off the equipment to ensure their safety following a four-week training scheme.
Fiona Francey, Acute Sector chief officer said: “It is vital that we ensure our staff are properly equipped and trained to deal with the extra demand we are likely to see on our services in the coming weeks.
“The work of our infection control team to roll out this training deserves major praise, it’s a huge achievement at a busy time – they are working tirelessly to ensure our workforce is kept as safe as possible as they care for patients.”
The health board currently has a sufficient stock of face masks, with thousands more due to arrive in the coming days.
A number of trainees have moved on to NHS Grampian’s full-time rota with more due to join in the next few days and weeks.
Ms Francey added: “Managers are working to ensure they are placed in the correct places
“All these trainees already have experience of working on the frontline of healthcare and we appreciate they are joining our full-time staff earlier than anticipated. Their efforts, along with those of everyone else will be vital in the coming weeks.”
“I’d like to take this opportunity to give my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of our staff who are doing an exceptionally professional job, going above and beyond in challenging times, in all areas of our hospitals and health care facilities.”