We’re here to support you

NHS Western Isles has produced a local ‘We’re here to support you’ Coronavirus (COVID-19) infosheet which is currently being made available throughout the Outer Hebrides, with the support of local community organisations and groups.

Whilst the majority of households have access to internet, social media, radio, newspapers and television, NHS Western Isles recognises that there may be a number of individuals who may not be able to access or receive information, for various reasons.

‘We’re here to support you’ provides information on the common symptoms of COVID-19 and advice on what to do if someone within your household has symptoms. It also reminds individuals not to ignore warning signs of serious conditions, and that they should continue to seek support for non-coronavirus health related concerns, through either their GP, NHS 24 (111) out of hours, or their emergency department for emergencies.

Information is included on how to access the local Community Support Hub and Helpline (tel. 01851 600501), which offers households access support to food shopping or if they are experiencing any financial concerns, especially those who are self-isolating or may be considered vulnerable or at high risk during COVID-19.

In addition, information on how to access the local dedicated COVID-19 website (www.coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot) is available, as well as the Psychological Resilience Hub (tel. 01851 708022 or 601151), which offers anxiety support to general public and local NHS and healthcare staff.

The local COVID-19 Health Concern Helpline (tel. 01851 601151) is also featured, which helps answer local Coronavirus health-related queries or concerns from members of the public, health and social care staff and category 1 responders.

To complement the infosheet, a number of large posters have also been produced for displaying in local supermarkets, with community shops also to receive copies.

NHS Western Isles Communications and Claims Manager, Maggie Fraser, commented: “We hope this infosheet will be of value to those within our communities who are struggling to access information at this difficult time. Our aim is to ensure everyone has access to the information and advice that they need. We would like to sincerely thank Third Sector Interface – Western Isles; local Community Councils, Land Trusts, supermarkets, community shops, and other local organisations and businesses for their support in making this infosheet available to their communities. Community groups across the Western Isles are doing an exceptional job in such challenging circumstances to support the most vulnerable individuals within their localities and we would like to take this opportunity to highlight and applaud their invaluable input at this time.

“The infosheet is available and can be downloaded from our website at www.coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot and copies are also available on request from coms.wi@nhs.net."