CONSULTANT Professor Simon Maxwell has said there are no “apocalyptic” scenes at one Edinburgh hospital – and has insisted it is “calm, controlled and ready” to deal with a spike in coronavirus cases in the coming weeks.
The professor said the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh is “quieter than it’s ever been in the 23 years I have worked there”.
He explained that because the majority of outpatient clinics are suspended and visits have been strictly limited, the hospital is well prepared for an expected increase in Covid-19 patients.
READ MORE: Coronavirus: Vaccine trial to start at Scottish university
He said: "There are many empty beds now being held in readiness for what is to come."
Maxwell praised the “phenomenal” work carried out in preparation for the increase and added it was “heartening” to see such unity between all the staff.
He continued: “We seem to be a few days behind London.
“The current position is not apocalyptic.
"The front door of the hospital is calm, controlled and ready to receive the many patients that will inevitably arrive shortly."
Maxwell also said colleagues appreciate the support of the public during the crisis, and concluded: "The best way for that support to continue is to be effectively following the Government's advice on social distancing."
There are currently 151 confirmed coronavirus cases in Edinburgh and the Lothians, though the actual figure is expected to be much higher than that.
Scotland in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. It’s no exaggeration to say that the future of The National is at stake. Please consider supporting us through this with a digital subscription from just £2 for 2 months by following this link: http://www.thenational.scot/subscribe. Thanks – and stay safe.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel