ARDROSSAN’S Archie McCulloch said he feared for his life and that of his wife and daughter after a patient in the ward he was admitted to was found to have COVID.

On Wednesday, April 28, Archie, who has COPD and heart problems was admitted to Crosshouse Hospital with breathing difficulties.

After a consultation Archie, 64, who is no stranger to life in hospital, was sent to Ward 3B where five other patients were being cared for.

It was during his second day in the ward that one patient was receiving a lot of attention and tested positive for COVID-19.

“I began to think when the nurses were in with the full aprons, masks and gloves that something was wrong,” said Archie of Seton Street.

“The poor fella had tested positive but what happened next really surprised me – no one was tested in the ward and we were allowed visitors too.

“My wife Jackie came to see me and then my 13-year-old daughter came in on the Saturday.”

By this point Archie defied medical advice and signed himself out asking if he was to self-isolate.

He said: “I was told not to go home but I felt it was unsafe for me and for my family. None of the people in that ward were tested. I was scared for my life and for my family, I decided it would be safer to take the chance and go home.

“I just feel the system was wrong, I have never had to complain about the care in the hospital, I’m in at least twice a year but this felt scary. Wny were we allowed visitors? Why were we not tested?.”

A spokesperson for NHS Ayrshire and Arran said: “NHS Ayrshire and Arran follows national guidance in relation to the testing, identification and notification of all close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases.

“During a hospital stay patients identified as a close contact of another patient would be informed of when they were exposed to the virus and when their isolation period would end. In these circumstances appropriate infection prevention control measures are implemented in line with the national guidance. Any patient discharged to their own home would receive guidance on isolating at home from nursing staff.

“Patients identified as a close contact are still permitted visitors. The visitors should be informed prior to visiting and the existing control measures of face masks and social distancing re-enforced.

“Enhanced infection prevention and control measures are already routinely in place, including the enhanced use of face masks by patients and staff, social distancing and enhanced environmental decontamination.”