A charity has criticised the lack of coronavirus advice for people with serious underlying health conditions.

Guideliness issued by the Scottish and UK governments have so far been fairly general and aimed at the 'healthy' population or the elderly.

However, the Somerville Foundation, which represents patients who are born with a heart condition, said those with an underlying condition required more specific guideliness because they may be required to take additional steps and "well before the general population."

In response the Scottish Government said it actively working to prepare bespoke advice for vulnerable groups including any additional steps which should be taken.

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Patients undergoing treatment for cancer are also likely to be vulnerable.

Rob Nicoll, trustee of the Sommerville Foundation, said: "Although the coronavirus presents little risk to the young and healthy we know that for the old and those with chronic illnesses it could be a real challenge.

"The Somerville Foundation represents people with congenital heart conditions, one of those chronic illnesses, and whilst they are used to challenges and are very often extremely knowledgeable about their conditions, what they need is specific advice and information so that they can take the necessary steps, which may include self-isolation well before the general population.

"They also need assurances that should they fall sick that their underlying health conditions will be satisfactorily taken into account.

"We know all too well that under normal conditions some Emergency Departments struggle to comprehend the significance underlying heart problems and often do not contact the specific medical teams with the right skills.

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"We very much hope that the time being spent to prepare the NHS will take this important group of not just old patients into consideration and issue specific advice relating to the particular chronic illness.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said:“We are working closely with local authorities and health boards to support all vulnerable groups and are actively considering what additional measures we need to put in place to address their needs, including offering bespoke advice in the very near future, as we seek to manage the impact of Covid-19 on the people of Scotland.”