A member of staff at Ninewells was asked by a manager to return to work despite being at risk of having Covid-19, it’s claimed.
It’s alleged a hospital porter was put under pressure to report for duty earlier this month while still waiting for the result of a PCR test.
An anonymous source, who did not want to be named, shared details of the alleged exchange with The Courier and expressed concerns about the senior staff member’s handling of the situation.
The whistleblower said: “A member of the portering service had been waiting on the result of their PCR test because a member of their family had Covid.
Can’t you just come in, not tell anyone you’ve not had the result of the test and just wear a mask?
“The person phoned in to work to let management know and spoke to a manager.
“They were asked: ‘Can’t you just come in, not tell anyone you’ve not had the result of the test and just wear a mask?’
“They were shocked. And now they’re taking it further and getting the union involved.
“It’s just ridiculous – what if they came back and were actually positive?
“They’d have been working beside other members of staff and patients.
“Imagine putting pressure on the individual to come to their work – it’s putting everyone at risk.
‘So many folk are off sick’
“It’s just crazy and morale is really low.
“The hospital is on its knees just now, there’s loads of folk off sick and folk are being asked to do more and more overtime to cover.
“It’s understandable people are under pressure, and managers are under pressure to provide a service, but you’ve got to draw the line somewhere.”
‘Clear guidance given’
In response to the allegation, a spokesperson for NHS Tayside reiterated the Health Board’s policy on the issue.
They said in a statement: “There is clear guidance in place for all staff that if they have had both doses of the Covid-19 vaccination and are identified as a close contact of a positive case of Covid-19, they should take a PCR test and self-isolate at home and not attend work until they return a negative PCR test result.
“All staff have been reminded of this process which reflects national guidance.”
The latest allegation comes after claims earlier this month a nursing shortage at Ninewells is creating a dangerous situation and putting patients’ lives at risk.
Whistleblowers said a shortage of nurses and other healthcare staff, combined with increasing coronavirus cases, was putting the NHS Tayside flagship hospital at “breaking point”.