Front line health care workers in the north-east have pleaded with anyone considering going out over the Easter weekend to think again and stay home.
Battling to save the lives of those affected by Covid-19 on a daily basis, staff at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary have said the public need to lift the burden from the NHS and stop the spread going forward.
Consultant Louise McCulloch said people were “gambling with their life” by disobeying social distancing rules and going out unnecessary trips as she asked the public to play their part and stay at home.
“People are losing their lives to this disease – and make no mistake that is happening in the north-east as well. People have lost their parents, grandparents and other close relatives far, far sooner than they would have expected, in utterly tragic circumstances,” she added.
“Staff are battling each and every day on the front line to save people, from young to old, in very challenging circumstances. None of us have ever experienced anything like it before.”
Although young people are less likely to be affected, that doesn’t mean they won’t be, critical care divisional manager, Cameron Matthew, added.
He said: “Even if they aren’t badly effected they may pass it on to a parent or grandparent they live with and it may well be their life on the line as a result.”
The vast majority of the public have been “phenomenal” in their support so far with donations of food, PPE, hand sanitiser and much more being “vastly appreciated” by the NHS staff.
As routine orthopaedic procedures have been stopped, NHS Grampian has also asked people at home to be careful while pursuing DIY activities or hobbies and urged road users to take extra care.
Consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, David Boddie said: “We would like the public to continue to play their part in protecting the NHS and saving lives and reduce the number of minor injuries and serious trauma coming in.”