No change in resuscitation policy despite coronavirus, says NHS Fife

NHS Fife says there has been no change in resuscitation policy despite the spread of coronavirus.

It's after a councillor called for clarification on the issue in the Kingdom, amid the pandemic.

Councillor David J Ross, who is the Scottish Conservatives' Health and Social Care lead at Fife Council, said it didn't feel right or appropriate for people to be asked to make difficult decisions without prior discussion.

But he added that he recognised services were under pressure.

The health board says nothing is in place to stop staff from performing resuscitation on patients with COVID-19.

It adds it performs resuscitation in line with guidance from Resuscitation Council UK.

Staff performing CPR are asked to wear personal protective equipment to prevent possible exposure to the virus.

NHS Fife's Medical Director Dr Chris McKenna said: "Our policy on resuscitation has remained unchanged despite the spread of coronavirus and there are no protocols in place preventing staff from performing resuscitation on patients with COVID-19.

"The care we provide to all patients is person-centred, with any clinical decisions made based entirely on the individual ant their particular circumstances.

"As with any aspect of patient care, we have an obligation to prevent our staff from being exposed to harm and have asked that the necessary personal protective equipment is worn when performing CPR to prevent possible exposure to the virus.

"A huge amount of work has been carried out over recent weeks to prepare our services for the anticipated increase in demand, and enable us to provide the best possible care to those who need it, regardless of whether they have COVID-19 or not."