The technology will allow staff to monitor visitors for signs of coronavirus

Veterans charity Erskine has been awarded £10,000 to purchase thermal imaging equipment four its four care homes and activities centre.

The grant, from The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, will allow Erskine staff to monitor visitors for temperature increases as an additional safeguard against Covid-19.

Although there have been no coronavirus cases at Erskine for several months, the charity says it is remaining cautious for the safety of its veterans and staff as lockdown restrictions begin to be lifted. The new equipment will play a vital role in this as the charity begins to welcome visitors to its homes again and reopens its activities centre in Bishopton, Renfrewshire.

The equipment will also have long-term benefits for infection control at Erskine as it will allow staff to detect any future variants of coronavirus, norovirus or seasonal flu.

Erskine’s director of care, Derek Barron, said: “We are extremely grateful to The Royal Navy and Marines Charity and Greenwich Hospital for their latest generous donation.

“This £10,000 grant will greatly benefit Royal Navy and Royal Marines veterans at Erskine’s homes and our activities centre in Bishopton. The installation of thermal imaging cameras will enable us to identify any staff and visitors entering our buildings who have a raised temperature, significantly aiding us in our attempts to control Covid-19 and other seasonal viruses.

“This will help Erskine to continue delivering the expert care and support that Scotland’s veterans truly deserve, even more so at this challenging time.”