UK's Armed Forces efforts recognised by Scottish Secretary
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack hails contribution of UK's Armed Forces to Covid-19 response
An army team supporting the Scottish Ambulance Service with trial of the Epishuttle Medical System. MOD Crown Copyright.
Speaking as it was confirmed that the military has today [6 April] provided a third emergency airlift for a critically ill patient from the Scottish islands, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:
“On behalf of the whole of Scotland, I would like to offer heartfelt thanks to the UK’s armed forces for their work in supporting the country’s efforts to tackle coronavirus.
“In Scotland the military is providing both the Scottish Government and the NHS with additional specialist skills and expertise. Our armed forces’ personnel are doing a fantastic job, showing commitment and dedication, at this challenging time. We are incredibly grateful to them.”
Armed forces’ support to tackle COVID in Scotland includes:
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Military planning personnel based in the Scottish Government’s emergency co-ordination centre at St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh.
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Officers working with each of Scotland’s 14 NHS boards.
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A liaison team supporting NHS Scotland in the development of a temporary hospital at the Scottish Exhibition Centre.
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Three Puma helicopters deployed to Kinloss Barracks to support the NHS in medial transports.
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The military have recently airlifted three critically ill patients from the Scottish islands (two from Shetland and one from Orkney) to hospitals in Aberdeen and Glasgow.