Swine flu test facilities set up

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Dedicated testing facilities for swine flu have been set up across Glasgow, the Scottish Government has confirmed.

It comes after laboratory testing of all cases was resumed in the greater Glasgow area, reversing a decision to allow GPs to make a diagnosis.

Existing NHS accommodation is being used to house nine testing facilities including health centres and clinics.

Seven new cases of the H1N1 virus were confirmed on Thursday, taking the total number of cases in Scotland to 537.

Dr Linda de Caestecker, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's director of public health, said: "So far GPs and public health specialists have been travelling to peoples' homes to swab anyone with suspected Influenza A (H1N1).

"However, as the number of suspected cases has continued to increase this practice is no longer sustainable and we have to use our resources differently.

Swine flu cases by NHS area Ayrshire and Arran - 7Fife - 7Forth Valley - 12Grampian - 2Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 358Highland - 128Lanarkshire - 15Lothian - 8

"Members of the public will be assessed either by NHS24 or their GP, as is currently the case, but instead of someone coming to their home to swab them they will now be given an appointment and asked to attend one of the dedicated facilities."

The nine facilities are separate from areas used by the general public for routine health services, and each will have a separate entrance and exit to prevent the risk of infection to others.

"The establishment of these facilities will enable us to rapidly swab and provide results to individuals," Dr de Caestecker said.

She added that only those with an appointment would be seen at these facilities and patients have been asked not to turn up without a prearranged appointment.

As well as the confirmed cases in Scotland, there are also 411 possible cases under investigation.

There are currently six patients with the virus being treated in hospital.