People from across Ayrshire could be sent all the way to Glasgow for outpatient appointments.

The news comes just days after residents of the region were told not to travel outside of the area unless necessary.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran and Caring for Ayrshire announced that 'some clinic appointments are being moved to the NHS Louisa Jordan', the hospital set-up in the city's exhibition centre to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

The health board has since clarified that it is 'offering some patients the option of having their appointment in NHS Louisa Jordan' but if they would prefer not to go then they will receive their appointment locally.

The decision follows 'huge pressure' being put on Ayrshire's hospitals meaning they cannot see as many patients in usual clinics due to social distancing.

Dr Crawford McGuffie, NHS Ayrshire and Arran's Medical Director, said: "By moving some outpatient appointments to this hospital, patients will be seen sooner than might have been possible in our local hospitals.

"NHS Louisa Jordan is set up to provide an appropriate space to be seen, examined and have a private conversation with the clinical team."

The Scottish Government has told Ayrshire residents to avoid public transport where possible.

The health board announced the move on social media.

The change in policy affects some plastic surgery, orthopaedics and dermatology appointments.

However, a video produced by the NHS board states that patients will still be seen by the same clinical team from your local hospital.

It is not clear if the local staff have been relocated to Glasgow, nor how many appointments will be catered to at NHS Louisa Jordan.

Dr McGuffie said: "The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on all of our services over the last few months. This has included the provision of clinics for patients.

"We have prioritised patient and staff safety, minimising any spread of the virus and infection prevention and control guidance when we have been delivering these services.

"This has reduced the number of patients that can be seen at each clinic."