The lack of a Covid-19 testing centre in Dumbarton or Helensburgh has been branded “shocking” by a local politician.
Labour MSP Jackie Baillie has hit out at the Scottish Government over the decision and slammed cabinet secretary for health Jeane Freeman for telling locals that a testing station in Port Glasgow was just five miles away – when the distance is 16 miles by road.
In a written exchange, Baillie asked the Scottish Government to clarify their plans for testing centres locally.
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In response, Freeman said: “Mobile testing units have been made available in Helensburgh and Port Glasgow (5.5 miles away from Dumbarton).
“Alternatively, home test kits are available through the UK Expanded testing programme and can be booked via the UK online digital portal, and are an option where people seeking a test are unable to attend a fixed drive-through centre or mobile testing unit.”
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And her comments were slammed by Baillie. She fumed: “Our community has been hit hard by the virus, we had a high number of deaths and infections, our social care staff who were working incredibly hard to protect patients had to travel to Stobhill and further afield to access testing.
“In one case a local constituent was told to travel from Dumbarton to Dunoon to get tested, which is a considerable distance to go, especially if feeling ill.
“I find it shocking that the Scottish Government have no plans for local testing facilities in Helensburgh and Dumbarton. The army mobile units have been a great help in local areas but we need permanent local testing hubs.”
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