This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-52698392

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Coronavirus: Testing and tracing roll-out at three health boards Coronavirus: Testing and tracing roll-out at three health boards
(32 minutes later)
A testing and tracing system to suppress coronavirus is to be rolled out in three health boards from Monday, the Scottish government has said.A testing and tracing system to suppress coronavirus is to be rolled out in three health boards from Monday, the Scottish government has said.
The scheme will be piloted in NHS Fife, NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Highland.The scheme will be piloted in NHS Fife, NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Highland.
Earlier this month, the government said testing and tracing would be "key" to the battle against the virus.Earlier this month, the government said testing and tracing would be "key" to the battle against the virus.
However, it has been revealed that despite 8,000 applications for 2,000 jobs as contact tracers, no-one has yet been hired.However, it has been revealed that despite 8,000 applications for 2,000 jobs as contact tracers, no-one has yet been hired.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said the two-week pilot would allow health boards to test out the software which contact tracers will use to collect data.Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said the two-week pilot would allow health boards to test out the software which contact tracers will use to collect data.
She said 600 additional staff from the NHS were "ready to begin this work, as part of the process of recruiting up to 2,000 staff".She said 600 additional staff from the NHS were "ready to begin this work, as part of the process of recruiting up to 2,000 staff".
'Larger scale''Larger scale'
Scottish Labour has claimed the health secretary has "serious questions to answer" over why no tracers had so far been hired.Scottish Labour has claimed the health secretary has "serious questions to answer" over why no tracers had so far been hired.
But Ms Freeman insisted the first "prong of the strategy" was to utilise existing NHS staff, and that others would be recruited once necessary pre-employment and disclosure checks were complete.But Ms Freeman insisted the first "prong of the strategy" was to utilise existing NHS staff, and that others would be recruited once necessary pre-employment and disclosure checks were complete.
Speaking at the government's daily coronavirus briefing, Ms Freeman said the software technology would allow contact tracing "on a much larger scale"Speaking at the government's daily coronavirus briefing, Ms Freeman said the software technology would allow contact tracing "on a much larger scale"
She said: "It will also focus on supporting public health teams to identify outbreaks and reduce transmission in high risk groups and settings by making it easier for staff to collect and record information.She said: "It will also focus on supporting public health teams to identify outbreaks and reduce transmission in high risk groups and settings by making it easier for staff to collect and record information.
"The test, trace, isolate and support approach is about breaking the chain of transmission of the virus but it remains vital that alongside this people continue to follow physical distancing advice and practise good hand and cough hygiene.""The test, trace, isolate and support approach is about breaking the chain of transmission of the virus but it remains vital that alongside this people continue to follow physical distancing advice and practise good hand and cough hygiene."
Ms Freeman said the technology would be rolled out to all health boards by the end of May and then "enhanced further" during June.Ms Freeman said the technology would be rolled out to all health boards by the end of May and then "enhanced further" during June.
The health secretary said current NHS staff and "returning workers" would be the first and second group of contact tracers in place.The health secretary said current NHS staff and "returning workers" would be the first and second group of contact tracers in place.
'Slow to hire''Slow to hire'
As for new recruits, she said: "We need to go through proper pre-employment checks and disclosure checks as well as training.As for new recruits, she said: "We need to go through proper pre-employment checks and disclosure checks as well as training.
"All of that work is under way and I am confident that we will get to that 2,000 number through that three-fold process but also with the help of other groups we are talking to, such as the St Andrew's First Aid Service.""All of that work is under way and I am confident that we will get to that 2,000 number through that three-fold process but also with the help of other groups we are talking to, such as the St Andrew's First Aid Service."
Scottish Labour's health and social care spokeswoman Monica Lennon said the safety of the people of Scotland must not be "hampered by a failure to hire contact tracers".Scottish Labour's health and social care spokeswoman Monica Lennon said the safety of the people of Scotland must not be "hampered by a failure to hire contact tracers".
She said: "Contact tracing should never have been abandoned.She said: "Contact tracing should never have been abandoned.
"The Cabinet Secretary for Health has been too slow to hire contact tracers despite clear demand for the role."The Cabinet Secretary for Health has been too slow to hire contact tracers despite clear demand for the role.
"The Scottish government did not act swiftly enough to protect the people of Scotland when a proactive approach to this incredibly serious public health emergency was needed.""The Scottish government did not act swiftly enough to protect the people of Scotland when a proactive approach to this incredibly serious public health emergency was needed."
During the government briefing, Jeane Freeman also said the Scottish government had issued new guidance for arrangements in care homes.
She said the guidance, which will come into effect on Monday, would ensure "enhanced professional and clinical care oversight".
It comes after a leading care sector organisation called for coronavirus testing to be expanded to care homes that are currently thought to be virus-free.
Currently, all staff and residents are tested at a care home whenever there is a confirmed case of Covid-19.
Scottish care chief executive Donald Macaskill had earlier told the BBC that there should be regular testing of all staff and residents.
'Last resort'
Ms Freeman said the new rules would make sure clinical care, infection prevention and control, PPE and testing arrangements were "where we need them to be".
New measures added to the Coronavirus Bill, and to be considered by Parliament this week, would see the government take over the running of failing care homes.
Ms Freeman said these powers to ensure continuation of care would only be exercised as a "last resort".
"Further action will be taken to address any failings that arise, and will be taken quickly," she said.