CORONAVIRUS community assessment centres have been set up in the Froth Valley with new arrangements in place for people whose symptoms got worse or have not improved.

Instead of calling the GP for advice, people should contact NHS 24 on 111 day or night.

Clinical staff will then carry out a phone assessment and either provide advice or arrange for them to be seen at one of a number of recently established community assessment centres in the area.

The move is aimed at making things simpler, providing a direct route for people with coronavirus symptoms who require help while also freeing up local GPs to treat those with all other conditions.

Only call NHS 24 if symptoms worsen or have not improved after a week, also if they are severe or if people have shortness of breath.

Dr Stuart Cumming, NHS Forth Valley’s associate medical director for primary care, said: “I would like to thank everyone involved in setting up these new community triage and assessment centres in such a short space of time.

“I would also like to thank GP practices across Forth Valley who have been hugely supportive in helping to develop and deliver this service.

“These will support local people with symptoms of Covid-19 who may require additional clinical advice.

“I’d also like to remind people that the fastest way to get the latest health information and advice on coronavirus is by visiting the NHS Inform website and people without symptoms looking for general information can also call the free coronavirus national helpline on 0800 028 2816 which is open from 8am to 10pm every day.

“People should only phone NHS 24 if their symptoms worsen or have not improved after seven days and the new local community assessment centres are strictly by appointment only and do not provide testing facilities.”