HUBS are to be opened across Glasgow this week to make it easier for medics to spot signs of coronavirus.

The Community Assessment Centres (CACs) will provide a more streamlined service to assess people who show symptoms of Covid-19. 

A central CAC has opened in Barr Street and will operate from 8am until 10pm with plans to open more centres across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. 

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The appointment only hubs will ensure hospital capacity is saved for those with the most serious illnesses and to reduce the exposure of patients at GP surgeries 

As part of the new pathway, patients should no longer phone their GPs if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms but refer to NHS Inform, or contact NHS 24 (111) if their symptoms worsen.  

Opened solely to assess patients presenting symptoms, the centres are staffed by GPs and Advanced Nurse Practitioners. P

The CACs will not provide testing facilities. 

Dr Kerri Neylon, deputy medical director for Primary Care at NHSGGC, said: “The creation of the CACs will provide important protection for vulnerable patients who require non- COVID-19 related care and will support our 235 GP Practices to provide this, by ensuring those who can be treated within the community receive the appropriate care as efficiently as possible.

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“In anticipation of increasing case numbers, we now have a pathway which can be effectively scaled up to manage growing demand on services across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. I'd like to thank all staff across primary, community, and acute services, for their efforts in rapidly implementing this new pathway and for readily staffing the centres. 

“We remind patients they should only phone NHS 24 if their symptoms worsen, and that the centres are strictly appointment only. If NHS 24 believes you need further treatment, you will get an appointment with one of our clinicians.”