A CARE home worker in West Dunbartonshire has died from suspected coronavirus.

The death has raised calls for personal protective equipment to be easily accessible for carers across the country.

Monica Lennon, Scottish Labour health spokesperson, has written to the First Minister asking for a guarantee that staff on the front line can have safe systems of work.

And in a statement, Dumbarton's MSP Jackie Bailie, said: "In this time of crisis, we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to those heroic health and care workers who risk their lives daily to care for and treat those in need.

"This very sad news will come as a great blow to the family and to my local community. My thoughts are with them and I share in their grief.

“It is clear that access to protective clothing and equipment for health and social care staff is a problem across Scotland.

“Supplies are rationed because there is simply not enough and the strategy appears to be determined by that shortage of supply, rather than what health guidance dictates.

“This is simply not good enough and is putting lives at risk. The Scottish Government must act urgently to protect our brave frontline workers. It is our duty to do so.”

Beth Culshaw, chief officer of West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “It is with deepest sadness that we can confirm a member of our team passed away yesterday.

"Our hearts go out to her family, friends and colleagues at this devastating time. Our dedicated staff are out in communities every day, delivering vital frontline services and working hard to support those most in need during this pandemic.

"We continue to follow all government and health guidance and are doing everything we can to protect, support and safeguard our workers, including by providing training and PPE.”