Ayrshire's outpatient booking office has closed due to an outbreak of coronavirus.

A number of staff members at NHS Ayrshire and Arran's Referral Management Service based at Crosshouse Hospital have been asked to self-isolate as close contacts.

This has caused a reduction in staffing meaning the office had to close on Monday.

Although some referral management activities were possible, the phone contact centre was closed but will reopen tomorrow, Thursday, October 15.

Due to unforeseen staffing circumstances our Referral Management Service contact centre will be closed until Thursday 15...

Posted by NHS Ayrshire & Arran on Tuesday, 13 October 2020

Joy Tomlinson, Director of Public Health, said: "NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Test and Protect Team... are currently conducting contact tracing to identify anyone who has had contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

"As a number of staff working in the Referral Management Service at NHS Ayrshire and Arran have been asked to self-isolate as close contacts, this has caused a reduction in staffing in that area.

"During this time while it has been possible for some referral management activities to continue, unfortunately the telephone contact centre has been closed from Monday 12 to Wednesday 14 October inclusive.

"The contact centre will re-commence receiving calls tomorrow, Thursday 15 October."

Ms Tomlinson reminded people of the symptoms of coronavirus: a new persistent cough; high temperature; and/or loss of taste and smell. Anyone who develops any of these symptoms should book a test and self-isolate immediately.