21 April 2003

UNISON CALLS FOR SCOTTISH GUIDANCE ON SEVERE ACUTE RESPORATORY SYNDROME (SARS)

Scotland's largest health union, UNISON, have today called on trade unions, professional bodies and the Scottish Health Department to meet as a matter of urgency and devise a policy for the management of Severe Acute Resporatory Syndrome here in Scotland.

"UNISON do not want to raise unnecessary alarm but this is a new and potentially fatal virus," said Jim Devine, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for Health.

"Our members working in the front line and need advice and guidance. It is worth remembering that the consultant who first identified this virus died last week "

Lanarkshire Acute Trust has potentially got the first case of SARS in Scotland. The lessons learned, including treating the illness, reassuring staff, relatives and dealing with media need to be shared with the Scottish Health Service.

"Therefore we are calling on the Scottish Health Department to convene as a matter of urgency, a meeting of trade unions and professional bodies to pool resources, information and produce a Scottish strategy to reassure staff, patients and the people of Scotland."

ENDS

For further information contact: Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser (Health) 0845 355 0845(w) 07876 441 239(m)

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