THE family of a seriously-ill gran who has coronavirus symptoms say they are frantic after she was sent home from hospital to fend for herself.

Port Glasgow pensioner Rena Galbraith, who suffers from underlying health conditions including heart failure and diabetes, was taken by ambulance to Inverclyde Royal after her condition took a turn for the worse.

But her grandson says he was stunned to be told only the next day that she would be waiting outside the hospital to go home.

The 78-year-old lives with her husband, who has Parkinson's, and her family fears they will suffer on their own.

Grandson Scott, 35, from Greenock said: "They are just so vulnerable.

"My gran has heart failure and diabetes - surely she is high risk?

"She is so confused.

"The first I knew, she was waiting in a corridor in wheelchair to go home.

"I spoke to a nurse in the ward and she seemed baffled as well.

"They were sending her home until her test results came back for COVID-19.

"We have family members who work in hospitals and they can't believe this was allowed to happen.

"This seems to be a decision to clear beds.

"But my gran is on her own with my grandad Alex.

"He is 81-years-old.

"Obviously we can't even visit to make sure they are okay."

Mrs Galbraith, who lives on the Clune Brae, was taken to hospital after her symptoms concerned medics.

She was allowed to leave Inverclyde Royal the next day.

Scott added: "I was told where to go to pick her up.

"I had to put her in the car in the back, at the opposite side from me.

"We were both at risk from social distancing.

"My gran and grandpa have home carers coming in and I had to phone the council to tell them that she had symptoms - otherwise the home carers would come to the house without the proper protective equipment.

"We are so concerned about her.

"What if her condition gets worse?

"I am just so upset at the way she has been treated.

"It is heartbreaking to see her like this, she is ill and confused."

Now the family face an agonising wait to see if Rena has coronavirus and if her symptoms get worse.

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde health board said that they were unable to comment on individual cases.

But a spokeswoman added: "The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority as we respond to COVID-19.

"We follow national guidance on the care of COVID-19 patients which includes advice that we may send COVID-19 positive patients home if it is safe to do so.

"Our staff follow agreed protocols before discharging patients and this will include making sure they are well enough, that they are able to self-isolate at home, and travel there safely, which may include being taken home by a family member.

"Our thoughts and well wishes are with anyone who is dealing with COVID-19."