Dingwall GP backs tighter restrictions in battle against coronavirus Covid-19 and admits 'extreme concern' over recent outbreaks; Dr Miles Mack addresses hopes for vaccine roll out in video message to update patients with Ross-shire group
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THE lead doctor at one of the largest medical practices in Ross-shire has acknowledged he is "extremely concerned" by recent coronavirus outbreaks and backs the Scottish Government move that came into force today to tighten restrictions on the public.
Dr Miles Mack of Dingwall Medical Group made his comments in a video and message posted via its social media channels.
In it, he addresses concerns about the new virus – which it is believed mat be more infectious that what has been witnessed to date – and future plans to be part of the vaccine roll-out.
He said: "A lot of you will realise that we haven't had the Christmas that we were yearning for and that new year will be very different. The coronavirus situation we thought was coming under control in the Highlands and we've been very glad that we have got very low rates at the present time.
"But we are extremely concerned by the recent outbreaks and particularly concerned that the new virus we are seeing is far more infectious than what we have been seeing previously.
"So for this reason we completely support the move from level 1 to level 4 protection and in Dingwall Medical Group we have had to continue to review how we provide care. Please can I reassure you that we are still here for you and we will see you if you need to be seen but our preference will be to provide most of our care by telephone and please bear with us over the time.
"If you do need medical attention please give as much information as you can to the member of staff who takes your call so that we can direct your call appropriately. We are hoping to become involved in the coronavirus vaccination campaign in the new year but as yet we do not know when we are going to get the vaccines but we have got plans in place to contact you in the priority groups as they come.
"If you want to find out more information, please don't phone us at the moment about vaccinations but look on the website and at our media releases and we will try and keep you informed as much as we can.
"In the meantime stay safe and hopefully the interruption to services, particularly the routine appointments, won't cause you undue concern and that we can manage things from here."
The practice will remain open for urgent health problems and its team is still available to direct patients to the most appropriate person .
It asks people to direct any enquiries about the Covid-19 vaccine to the NHS Inform Website or to use the national helpline on 0800 030 8013.
It adds: "If you have a new cough or a change in your usual cough, a fever or a change in your taste or smell- you must isolate in your home and arrange for a test immediately. This can be arranged by clicking the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 0300 303 2713."
It adds: "Please do what you can to keep yourself and those around you safe."
Related: 12 Covid cases linked to Ross-shire pub
'Small cluster' visited three pubs, NHS Highland says
