Self-isolating staff told by NHS to go to work

Staff in a children’s home have been told to turn up for work despite being in “self-isolation” after contact with an infected youngster, MSPs have been told.

Richard Leonard raised the case in parliament

Labour leader Richard Leonard warned this risks spreading the virus and contravenes national coronavirus guidance as he raised the issue in Holyrood yesterday.

The Labour leader told Nicola Sturgeon during First Ministers Questions that staff at a residential children’s unit in Glasgow have been told to self-isolate at home because they’ve had close contact with a young resident who has tested positive with Covid 19.

But he added: “They have also been instructed to continue to go to work. These staff have been sent letters saying that although they and their own family households must self-isolate for 14 days, their place at work is being considered as a ‘second household setting’ by Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board, that they are part of the `children’s unit bubble.’ This is not safe and in fact it is a direct contravention of the guidance set out by Health Protection Scotland.”

He called on the First Minister to ensure that the units allow staff to self-isolate as necessary.

The First Minister pledged to “personally” look into the matter.

In a statement, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “Scottish Government Guidance clearly outlines residential children’s units should be considered households wherever possible. This is to ensure care for children can continue with minimal disruptions during the pandemic.”