Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We're not exaggerating when we say that the future of the Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter is under threat.
Please consider supporting the Reporter in whatever way you can – by paying just 85p for a copy of the paper, when you're shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others, or by subscribing to our e-edition here.
Thanks – and stay safe.
...............................

 

People in Dumbarton and the Vale are confused about when and how they should be accessing health and care services during the lockdown, a counselling group has warned.

Dumbarton Area Council on Alcohol (DACA) says it has reached these conclusions through its work to offer help and support to people worried by increased drinking, either by themselves, or a loved one.

Mags Mackenzie, charity chief executive, told the Reporter: “We’ve encountered several cases of people who have been struggling at home with some very worrying symptoms, trying to manage by themselves so as to avoid burdening the health services.

“One person was apparently two days from death when he eventually heeded advice and went to hospital. Happily, he’s making good progress now.

“The team at DACA has been able to identify and support this type of issue within our client group because we’ve continued to operate fully throughout the lockdown.

CORONAVIRUS LIVE: Get the latest here

“We’re delivering our services remotely – mainly by phone. Human contact and compassionate check-ins matter more than ever right now.”

Mags stressed that DACA does not give medical advice, but does help people understand and interpret the official public health guidance.

DACA says its experiences are in line with the drug, alcohol and mental health charity We Are With You, whose research showed that 64 per cent of people in Scotland are less likely to access non-emergency health services amid the coronavirus lockdown.

The main reason was people not wanting to put extra strain on the NHS, followed by fear of catching Covid-19 and the need to remain in self-isolation.

Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton MSP, is strongly encouraging anyone who believes they require medical attention to immediately seek it.

She added: “The NHS is still open for business and doctors, nurses and health professionals are still on hand to take care of anyone who needs treatment.

“I understand that many people will be worried about entering hospitals and other health service facilities because of the current crisis but it is of the utmost importance that individuals get the care and treatment that they need.”

READ MORE: Sharing the love with knitted hearts

Ms Baillie commended organisations such as DACA that are ensuring those who usually benefit from their services can still do so remotely.

She added: “This will go a long way in continuing to support and protect those with an addiction during this uncertain time.”

The health board says it understands the Covid-19 pandemic may have made people anxious about accessing healthcare services in the same manner they would previously have done.

A spokeswoman added: “However, we would like to reassure everybody that we have both the capacity, and the patient pathways in place to ensure anyone requiring urgent hospital care, Covid-19 or non-Covid-19, is appropriately and safely assessed.”

In relation to alcohol, Mags said DACA believe people are buying significantly more drink for home consumption.

She added: “It can be all too easy to find yourself reaching for the booze to offset the stresses of the day or even just out of boredom.

“But alcohol is a depressant and can have a really negative effect on your emotional and mental wellbeing.

“It can also affect your immune system, and right now this is the last thing anyone wants.”