Preparations for a possible Ebola case in the Highlands are putting “significant pressure” on the health board’s infection control team, it has emerged.
Every NHS Highland hospital has now identified a room to be used to treat someone infected with the deadly virus and staff have been issued with guidance on caring for an Ebola patient.
Personal protective equipment is in place in all hospitals across NHS Highland area and a working group has been set up to consider the potential impact of the virus.
Nurse Director Heidi May will tell members of the board meeting in Inverness tomorrow that preparing for a potential case had been a challenge for the team.
Her report said: “The infection control and prevention team and the health and safety team are working in collaboration with other key members to ensure NHS Highland is prepared to care for a potential Ebola case.
“This is a high priority and as a result is creating a significant pressure on team resources.
“In order to mitigate some of the pressure, a nurse from the re-deployment register has been appointed to assist with this work.”
Viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHF) are severe and life-threatening diseases caused by a range of viruses.
Infection occurs through contact with infected blood and body fluids.
The report added: “In the UK, the likelihood of a patient presenting with Ebola is minimal, however most patients who could have VHF are likely to present to accident and emergency departments either directly or via their general practitioner.”
NHS Highland is working with the guidance produced by Health Protection Scotland to ensure key staff are aware of their role in the risk assessment of potential patients and the subsequent actions to take, Ms May said.
Her report added: “An Ebola preparedness short-life working group has been established and is meeting fortnightly.
“This meeting is chaired by Dr Jonty Mills, lead infection control doctor, and has a wide range of members from business continuity, health and safety, operational units, and health and social care groups.”
All operational units have conducted a “walk through exercise” to identify where potential Ebola patients would be cared for.
An NHS Highland spokeswoman yesterday said: “We have been working hard on a number of fronts and believe we are well prepared.”