Another assessment centre for coronavirus patients is being opened in Ayrshire.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran is opening an additional assessment centre for those displaying worsening COVID-19 symptoms to enhance the health board’s response to the pandemic.

From tomorrow (Saturday, April 18) patients may be referred by clinicians at the the Community Clinical Hub to attend an appointment at either the new site, located at Ailsa Hospital, Ayr, or the Lister Centre assessment centre at University Hospital Crosshouse.

If you, or someone you know, develop breathlessness or symptoms worsen during home isolation or symptoms don’t improve after seven days, then you should continue to contact NHS 24 (111).

Patients will initially be referred to the Community Clinical Hub for a telephone triage and given appropriate clinical advice. If further clinical assessment is required, they will be offered an appointment at the assessment centre most appropriate to them. For patients unable to attend the centre, further advice will be given on how they will be assessed.

Dr Crawford McGuffie, Medical Director said: “The team have worked incredibly hard within a short timescale to get this second assessment centre ready to receive patients. The centre at the Ailsa Campus in Ayr will provide greater access for people with worsening COVID-19 symptoms for enhanced medical assessment and care.”

If patients are offered an appointment they should be prepared to enter the building on their own. For children attending, only one parent/guardian will be allowed within the centre. If you are given an appointment to the centre you will be given clear instructions on what to do before entering the building, which must be followed.

If you have a medical emergency, dial 999 and tell them you have COVID-19 symptoms.