Consultant: Scots have protected NHS but now need to let NHS protect them

A leading doctor has hailed Scots for protecting the NHS during the pandemic but told patients in need: “Now, let the NHS protect you.”

Frank Dunn, a consultant cardiologist, urged patients to call for help if they the need it and warned many remain reluctant to go to hospital as they try to ease pressure on staff and to avoid risking infection.

His comments come after we revealed how admission data suggests heart patients are waiting three times longer to call 999. Meanwhile, the number of deaths linked to heart attacks is much higher than average.

Dr Dunn, former President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and consultant at Stobhill Hospital, said in an interview with hospital radio service, HBS Radio: “Time is muscle. The more quickly you get to hospital after a heart attack, the more muscle you save and that means your long-term outlook is much better. So my message to people is not to be afraid that you’ll catch Covid if you go into hospital, and do not try and protect the NHS. The NHS is there to protect you. Call for help.

“It’s as important now as it has been at any point in the last few months because people have been unselfishly trying to protect the NHS.

“People who should have gone to hospital have either delayed or did not go at all. Told to stay at home, a lot of people took that literally and, unfortunately, people have had more significant illnesses as a consequence.”

Figures released on Friday suggest 6% of Scotland’s confirmed Covid cases first became ill in hospital but experts say the risks of not seeking treatment outweighs the risk of infection.

Dr Helen Flaherty, of Heart Research UK, said: “Hospitals have strict measures to reduce the risk and not seeking help straight away may put a greater strain on the NHS. It is important that you call 999 immediately.”

With the continuing Covid crisis, backlog of cancelled treatment, and regular winter pressures, the Scottish Government say charities like Heart Research UK will be vital in supporting the NHS.