What to Expect if You’re Called by an NHS Contact Tracer
When contacting individuals who have tested positive, contact tracers will ask people to identify others who they’ve been in close contact with and places they’ve been 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms up until the time they’ve self-isolated. This information will then be inputted into contact tracing software and used to identify and contact those identified.
The positive individual will not be named by the contact tracer in line with patient confidentiality, unless they agree to have their details disclosed to help the contact tracing process.
Importantly, contact tracers will not ask anyone for information about bank accounts or medical records, and they will not try to sell you anything. The data gathered will be stored securely by NHS Scotland and safely destroyed as soon as possible after the pandemic concludes.
If you are unsure, you can verify calls are genuine by calling the NHS Ayrshire and Arran Contact Tracing Team on 01292 559880 during working hours (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays)
A privacy statement about the use of information as part of contact tracing can be found on the NHS Scotland site.
Local Organisations (Cunninghame South Constituency Area)
The following local groups are able to provide assistance to local residents within the Cunninghame South constituency:
- CHAP are operating a telephone/email service for assistance with housing, benefits and debt issues in North Ayrshire.
They are also able to offer assistance to those homeowners across Ayrshire who are facing mortgage repossession. They can be contacted on 01294 475633 or chaphousing@gmail.com during normal office hours. - CLASP are now providing a telephone befriending and digital support service for older people residing in North Ayrshire during this pandemic via their HOPE and CLASP Digital Projects.
If you are in isolation and could benefit from a regular call for a chat they have trained befrienders who can be a listening ear, help boost morale and offer guidance and signposting assistance if you require other support services during this difficult time.
They also have a team of Digital Tutors and Digital Buddies who can support you with any digital queries you might have or they can contact you via Skype, WhatsApp, Facetime etc.
If you feel like you could benefit, telephone Liz on 07464206592 or email liz@clasps.org.uk. You will then be allocated a befriender to offer you support during this crisis. - North Ayrshire Foodbank are offering aid to anyone who is finding it difficult to access food or have supplies delivered. You may contact them directly on 01294 601312 or by emailing nafoodbank@btinternet.com. They are open Mon – Fri: 10am to 2pm – please leave a message out with those hours.
- The Community Hearing Support Service is able to assist NHS hearing aid users with batteries and advice during this time.
Please contact heartohelp.ayrshire@hearingloss.org.uk or 07391 017781 - Unity Carer Centre offers specialist information, support, advocacy and advice. If you are an unpaid or family carer of almost any age you can access support. All Centre staff are now home based until further notice. They are still available for phone appointments through the normal number and hours: 01924 311333
Community Hubs and Contact Numbers
Community Hubs have been established in localities around North Ayrshire to help callers with their concerns about health & well-being, money and food relating to COVID-19. They are coordinated by a small team of North Ayrshire Council and Health and Social Care staff. They will not be open for members of the public to visit but should be contacted via the phone numbers detailed below.
- Irvine – Fullarton; 07934 163884; 07398 108924; 01294 278207
- Irvine – Vineburgh; 07864 718921; 07398 108915; 01294 317156
- Irvine; 07936 033039; 01294 313593
- Kilwinning; 07395 941792; 01294 554699
- Three Towns; 07907 878861; 01294 47590
The hubs will link in with local volunteers including groups already established and there is also an online application form for new volunteers.
Support for People in North Ayrshire Shielding in Relation to the Coronavirus
Shielding has been paused since 1 August, this means that everybody who has been shielding is now able to follow the same guidance as the rest of Scotland. This guidance is available here.
At the start of the pandemic, the Scottish Government asked people at the highest risk from COVID-19 to stay home. This was because the infection rate in the community was so high.
The number of people in Scotland who are infectious is now very low. The latest estimate shows that from 31 July there will be approximately 1 in 18,160 people who are infectious.
The infection rate in Scotland may rise as well as fall in the coming months. Small changes will not affect this advice. We will keep our advice under constant review.
If an increase in infection rates that gives the Scottish Government concern is noted, you may be asked to take extra steps again to stay safe. If so, you will be informed by letter and through the SMS Shielding Service.