A new dedicated assessment centre has opened in Renton for people who believe they have coronavirus symptoms.

The appointment-only hub has opened at the Integrated Health Living Centre as a key strategy to fight the virus by providing a more streamlined service to assess people presenting with symptoms.

In line with the Scottish Government’s response to COVID-19, the centre will maximise the number of symptomatic people who can be cared for within the West Dunbartonshire community, while also ensuring hospital capacity is used for those with the most serious illnesses.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde says this will reduce the exposure of patients at GP surgeries and allow GPs to focus on providing care to patients with other complex health issues.

The launch of the Renton Community Assessment Centre (CAC) for COVID-19 treatment is part of the Scottish Government’s wider emergency operational arrangements which have established a network of coronavirus hubs and centres across the country.

In line with the arrangements, the centres will not offer testing, which takes place in other settings and is being prioritised for key frontline staff and care workers, and for patients admitted to hospital with symptoms.

Opened solely to assess patients presenting symptoms, the centres are staffed by GPs and community nursing staff.

Patients attending may receive treatment plans, including medication, and/or prescription, and be told to self-isolate.

If they need to go to hospital, this will be arranged at the centre.

Patient transport and a home visiting service are also in development to support those with difficulties travelling.

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.

If further clinical advice is required, NHS 24 will refer patients onto a clinician who will provide a full telephone assessment and if necessary, an appointment at Renton’s Integrated Healthy Living Centre. Patients may still be referred directly to acute services, depending on their symptoms.

Patients will be given full instructions on where to park and how to access the centre upon receiving their appointment.

The Renton hub is one of a number opening across Greater Glasgow and Clyde and will initially operate between 10-1pm and 3-6pm (last appointment 5:30pm).

A central CAC has opened on Barr Street in Glasgow – operational from 8am-10pm with a view to moving to 24/7 when necessary. An additional CAC at Clydebank Health Centre and a number of other centres are in the process of opening.

Dr Kerri Neylon, Deputy Medical Director for Primary Care at NHSGGC, said: “The creation of the CACs is part of emergency operational arrangements being undertaken in line with Scottish Government plans and will provide important protection for vulnerable patients who require non- COVID-19 related care.

“The Renton CAC’s role is to provide face-to-face consultations as part of a wider triage system which has created a streamlined route to ensure patients are assessed as quickly as possible and receive the appropriate care.

The health board has produced a video guide for patients which can be viewed at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blNSkuVFnC4