GANNOW LANE Resource Centre in Burnley has confirmed that two members of staff have contracted coronavirus and that a deep clean has been carried out as a result.

The two members of staff caught the virus separately, with managers assuring the public that neither case impacted areas used by patients.

The centre acts primarily as a hub for multi-disciplinary NHS team offering specialist assessment, treatment and care to people with severe and enduring mental health difficulties between the ages of 16 - 65 years old in the community.

A spokesperson for Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust said: “We currently have two members of staff from the health centre self-isolating after testing positive for Covid and we wish them both a speedy recovery. These are isolated incidents as they did not have any contact with each other.

“The first was only in the building once last week and the meeting room they used was deep cleaned the following day.

“This week we were made aware that a second person tested positive and as soon as we were informed we took immediate steps to carry out a deep clean.

“None of this impacted any areas used by patients.”

The Trust has now moved to assure the public that they are taking all necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of service users is protected in future.

The spokesperson said: “A thorough contact trace has been carried out in line with national guidance and no other colleagues or patients at Gannow Lane have been impacted.

“The Trust has robust Infection Prevention Control practices in place and have taken all possible steps to create Covid-safe environments. This includes carrying out bespoke workspace risk assessments at all our locations and personal risk assessments for staff.

“We have reiterated the need for staff to be vigilant both at work and in their personal lives, where people will be potentially more exposed to catching Covid-19.

“We continue to actively encourage staff and service users to wear a face mask across in communal settings or where social distancing cannot be maintained and we have people on doors checking and challenging where this does not happen.

“Our priority will always be the safety of our staff and service users.”