NHS BLAST
Coronavirus Scotland: Glasgow NHS staff ‘one of worst groups of people’ for ‘breaching social distancing’, says surgeon
by Jonathan WhitelawA SURGEON has blasted NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde staff as "one of the worst groups of people” for allegedly breaching social distancing rules.
It's reported that Michael Palmer, a medic at Glasgow Royal Infirmary who has called for the widespread use of masks, has criticised his colleagues.
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He said he had attended meetings where it was impossible for staff to keep the required distance.
And that nobody was allegedly wearing masks other than himself.
The Times reports that Mr Palmer said that all staff covered their mouths and noses in theatres and during ward rounds.
But he hit out at staff when they are other areas.
He said: “You go to the staff coffee room and you will find them all without masks.
"I am particularly concerned about staff sitting around on their downtime.
"There is this feeling we are the NHS and we are somehow protected in some way.
"Clearly the evidence is not there for that.
"I do have concerns that social distancing in hospitals is not as good as it could be.”
A spokesperson for NHS GGC said staff followed all national guidance and precautions and in non-clinical areas were advised to maintain social distancing.
They added: “We do appreciate that this can be difficult to maintain in all circumstances”.
Michael Griffin, president of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, sympathised with staff working extremely hard under pressure.
The Times reports that he said it was understandable with the relief of removing PPE during breaks that social distancing could also slip.
He also stressed the importance of sticking to the guidelines
NHS GGC has been approached for comment by the Scottish Sun.
Nicola Sturgeon yesterday announced Scots could meet other people outdoors and play "safe" sports from today in the first major easing of lockdown measures.
The First Minister said the initial focus of relaxing drastic curbs - 67 days after they were imposed on March 23 - was on “quality of life” and “family, friendship. Love” - as well as outdoor activity.
Making the announcement, Ms Sturgeon said: "We can now move into phase one, of our four-phase route map out of lockdown."