North Ayrshire residents have been rated as the most vulnerable to Covid-19 in Scotland. 

The area has been ranked as most at risk during the pandemic when considering social, clinical and demographic factors. 

But medics on the frontline in the area have fought back hard against the deadly virus – helping stem the risks. 

North Ayrshire’s vulnerable position was revealed in a report from the Scottish Public Health Observatory published on March 31. 

Central Ayrshire MP Philippa Whitford said primary care teams in Ayrshire “worked extremely hard to prepare for the outbreak.”

Dr Whitford said: “Sadly, we know North Ayrshire is home to some of the most deprived areas in the country and earlier research into Covid-19 has shown that those from lower socio-economic groups are more vulnerable to the virus.

“This is due to a number of factors, including these groupings being more likely to have underlying health conditions, to work in the gig economy and be forced to continue working, and live in overcrowded accommodation.”

The SNP politician added:  “As this particular study combines social, clinical and demographic factors to provide a vulnerability score, poorer communities were likely to be high on the list. But, it also highlights how vulnerable the older age groups are with South Ayrshire, where there is a proportionately high elderly population, ranked as second on the list.

“It should be noted, however, that in terms of Ayrshire as a whole, this has not been reflected in either the number of cases, admissions to hospitals or, indeed, the number of deaths, which are not as high as other health board areas across the country.”

Stephen Brown, Director of North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: “With a higher proportion of older people and many others living with long-term chronic health conditions, alongside high levels of poverty, the report suggests that North Ayrshire could be hit harder by Covid-19 than anywhere else in Scotland.

“With the current pandemic, a combination of the social measures imposed via lockdown and the support being provided by our Hubs to those in our communities who are currently shielding, has greatly assisted in lessening the impact of Covid-19.

“Although many people across North Ayrshire have sadly been affected by the virus, the statistics from across Scotland would suggest that projections made within the report have, at least so far, not been borne out.”

The Scottish Public Health Observatory community vulnerability ranking was released to help guide the use and allocation of public money to mitigate the Covid-19 impact.

In North Ayrshire at least 68 people have died after contracting the virus according to figures released by National Records of Scotland last week. Seventy five people lost their lives in South Ayrshire while 49 died in East Ayrshire. The victims’ death certificates stated that Covid-19 contributed to or caused their loss of life.

Commenting on frontline efforts locally, Dr Whitford pointed out how critical care beds have quadrupled. 

She added: “Whilst working with Covid patients has been extremely challenging for staff, all of the facilities have been working well within the capacity they had made available.”
 

Areas most vulnerable to Covid-19 
Partnership Area with Combined vulnerability rank
North Ayrshire 32
South Ayrshire 31
Inverclyde 30
East Ayrshire 29
Dundee City 28
West Dumbartonshire 27
Na h-Eileanan Siar 26