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A NEW Community Assessment Centre (CAC) opened this week in Clydebank to help combat Covid-19.

The facility, which aims to provide a more streamlined service to assess people presenting symptoms, is based at Clydebank Health Centre.

The appointment-only hub forms part of a new pathway which will maximise the number of Covid-19 symptomatic people who can be cared for within the community, while also ensuring hospital capacity is used for those with the most serious illnesses.

Patients experiencing Covid-19 symptoms should contact NHS 24 (111) if the symptoms worsen, and if further clinical advice is required, NHS 24 will refer patients onto a clinician who will provide a full telephone assessment and if necessary, an appointment at the patient’s nearest CAC.

Patients attending will receive treatment plans, including medication, and/or prescription, and be told to self-isolate.

Read more: Care worker died just days after Clydebank staff raised concerns about PPE

The CAC will not provide testing facilities. The Clydebank hub is one of a number opening across Greater Glasgow and Clyde and will initially operate between 10-1pm and 3-6pm.

Dr Kerri Neylon, deputy medical director for primary care at NHSGGC, said: “The creation of the CACs are part of emergency operational arrangements being undertaken in line with Scottish Government plans and will provide important protection for vulnerable patients who require non- COVID-19 related care.

“The Clydebank CAC’s role is to provide face-to-face consultations as part of a wider triage system which has created a streamlined route to ensure patients are assessed as quickly as possible and receive the appropriate care.

“I'd like to thank all staff across primary, community, and acute services, for their efforts in rapidly implementing this new pathway and for readily staffing the centres.

“We remind patients they should only phone NHS 24 if their symptoms worsen, and that the centres are strictly appointment only. If NHS 24 believes you need further treatment, you will get an appointment with one of our clinicians.”