AS Fife Health and Social Care Partnership continues to deal with the increased demand on services as a result of the coronavirus, they have established a new virtual community hub and assessment centre ensure those who catch the virus get the best of assistance.

This will help to provide a dedicated route to clinical advice and support and is based at the Victoria Hospital, in Kirkcaldy. The assessment area is in what was previously the Diabetic Centre, at the southern end of the hospital complex.

How will this work? If you have the symptoms of coronavirus and these do not improve within seven days, or worsen, then call NHS 24 on 111, day or night. You will be assessed, and if necessary transferred to the community hub which is staffed by clinicians who will be able to provide the best possible advice at the right time.

Once assessed, you may be given further advice on continuing to self-isolate at home, or to attend the local Covid19 assessment centre for further treatment.

Nicky Connor, Director of Fife’s Health & Social Care Partnership, added: “We realise these are unprecedented times and we need to work differently to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

"By following this guidance, we hope to reduce the impact on our services and provide a dedicated way to provide the right information and guidance to those in most urgent need.

"Our staff, from IT, facilities and admin, to our health care professionals, have worked tirelessly over the past week to get these new areas up and running. What has been achieved in such a short space of time has been amazing.

"It is humbling to see so many of our staff pulling out the stops to ensure our communities have the best possible care.”

Helen Buchanan, Director of Nursing, NHS Fife, commented: “As those presenting with coronavirus symptoms continues to grow, having these dedicated resources will help to free-up GP capacity to care for people in the community and to ensure only those that need to be admitted to hospital are admitted.

"Please remember we are here for you. There’s lots of information and guidance available via NHS Inform (https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19) and for those people who need additional support, please call 111.”

Our picture shows the Covid19 Assessment Centre - Nicky Connor, Director of Fife's SCP; Helen Buchanan, Director of Nursing; and Chris McKenna, Medical Director, NHS Fife; with the healthcare professionals at the Covid19 assessment centre.