PEOPLE in Helensburgh and Lomond have shown their heartfelt thanks to local NHS and social care staff in a variety of ways during the coronavirus pandemic – and now the staff themselves have returned the tributes.

We visited the Victoria Integrated Care Centre and Jeanie Deans Unit in the town on Tuesday for a photocall to give us, and the Advertiser’s readers, a chance to say a public ‘thank you’ to the heroes who are keeping people in the area safe and well during the pandemic lockdown.

The staff featured here are, from the top row and from left to right: Zena Lindsay, senior physiotherapist; Sam Arch, paediatric physiotherapist for children and families; Michelle Ridge, senior community nurse; Mary Lynch, senior community physiotherapist; Susan Cameron, infection control nurse specialist; Jean Laws, social work team leader; Joanne Gray, occupational therapist; Mary Collins, support worker; Yuliya Leask, occupational therapist; Genevieve Hunter, homecare procurement officer; Val McFadyen, health care support worker; Emma Berry, support worker; Linda Skrastin, local area manager; Carol Millar, PA to local area manager; and Christine Budd from operational support services.

READ MORE: Help us tell the stories of Helensburgh and Lomond's 'lockdown heroes'

Following our visit, a spokesman for the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership said: “We are extremely grateful for the support the general public and local businesses have given to our staff during a difficult time for everyone and we would like to thank our staff for all that they are doing every day for their local communities.

“We would also like to reiterate the Scottish Government advice to the public that you should not ignore early warning signs of serious conditions.

“If you have new symptoms then it’s vital you get them checked out, either by contacting your GP, calling 111 or if symptoms are urgent, by attending your local A&E.”

READ MORE: Catch up with all the latest news headlines from around Helensburgh and Lomond here

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