Where can I get the latest health information and advice?
The most up-to-date health advice and guidance for COVID-19 can be found on the NHS Inform website. If you need a sick note due to coronavirus, don’t contact your GP or NHS 24. You can download an isolation note directly from NHS Inform.
Who should I contact if I still have questions?
A free national helpline has been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice: 0800 028 2816. It is open every day from 8.00am to 10.00pm.
What should I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19?
Most people with COVID-19 will have mild symptoms which do not require any treatment or advice. You therefore don’t need to contact your GP or NHS 24 – iust follow the national guidance on self-isolation which is available on the NHS Inform website.
However if your symptoms have not improved after 7 days, worsen or you experience shortness of breath, call NHS 24 on 111 (day or night) rather than your local GP. NHS 24 will put you in touch with a local clinician who can provide advice or arrange for you be seen at a local community assessment centre, if required.
Hospital Visiting Suspended
Visiting has been suspended across all our hospitals and inpatient wards to help limit the spread of COVID-19, protect our patients and our ensure the safety of our staff. The suspension applies expect in the following situations and visitors are asked to consider whether a visit is essential even in these circumstances.
- Maternity Unit – women can be supported by a single birth partner during labour but they must remain within the Maternity Unit at all times. Antenatal appointments and ultrasound scans should be attended unaccompanied.
- Neonatal Unit & Children’s Ward – parents are permitted to visit and they should remain with their child at all times.
- Palliative Care – to support someone who is receiving end-of-life care.
- Supporting someone with additional needs– including people with dementia, a learning disability or autism where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed.
Local Service Arrangements
A number of our services have provided additional information in light of COVID-19. More information can be found on those service pages below.
Postponement of non-urgent appointments and operations
All non-urgent appointments and non-essential operations and procedures are being postponed to create capacity and free up clinical staff to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any patients affected will be contacted direct and arrangements will be made to reschedule appointments as soon as possible. Vital cancer treatments, emergency, maternity, neonatal and urgent care will continue to be provided.
Children and Young People
- Young Scot – Find out more about what’s happening and the simple steps you can take to help prevent catching COVID-19 and spreading to others. Also find out more about what you can do if you are feeling anxious and worried, and how you can support others in your community.
- Childline has a dedicated coronavirus page which includes advice on how to cope if you are staying at home. Please also note that Childline have reduced their hours of operation and their phone line/online chat service is now available 9.00am – midnight.
- Parent Club now features a dedicated coronavirus hub offering advice and support to parents as they face the many
challenges of this pandemic.
Forth Valley Royal Hospital – Retail and Catering Facilities
The restaurant on the first floor of Forth Valley Royal Hospital is now only able to serve NHS Forth Valley staff on production of a valid staff ID Badge and is not open to patients and visitors at this time. Starbucks remains closed and M&S are running reduced opening hours. The WH Smith café in the Women and Children’s Unit is continuing to provide a takeaway service. Vending machines with drinks and snacks are available outside wards and in a number of public areas across the site and these will continued to be stocked as usual.
Your Mental Wellbeing
It is normal to be feeling stressed, anxious and scared right now. Most of us haven’t experienced anything like this before. That’s true right around the world. The websites linked below will give you the resources you need to look after your mental health at home.
- Self Help Guides & Mental Wellbeing During COVID-19
- NHS Inform
- Breathing Space
- Scotland’s National Mental Health Charity (SAMH)
- Age Scotland
COVID-19 Information in Alternative Languages
Additional Links
- For all the latest news and updates from NHS Forth Valley see our news feed, follow us on Facebook and Twitter
- Information for NHS Forth Valley staff is available on the staff intranet and the COVID-19 Staff Information page.