North Ayrshire doesn’t have a Covid-testing centre because Crosshouse Hospital near Kilmarnock is seen as appropriate, a meeting heard.
But new walk-in testing centres are now being considered.
Councillor Jim Montgomerie said lots of residents have asked him why they have to travel elsewhere for tests.
The Saltcoats politician asked council leader Joe Cullinane why there are no coronavirus testing units in the area at a full North Ayrshire Council meeting this week.
Councillor Montgomerie said: “I have suggested a while back I would have liked to see pop up tents in the local towns where people could get tested if they had symptoms.”
Council leader Joe Cullinane pointed out the NHS chose to establish testing sites at University Hospital Crosshouse and Ayr’s Ailsa hospital.
The Kilwinning Labour councillor said the decision was based on the drive-in units having close proximity to hospitals - with assessment and treatment available.
Pointing out another benefit he said: “Both sites are able to flex staff attendance in the event of short notice spikes in demand or staff absence.”
He said “consideration has been given to establishing a site in North Ayrshire.”
But he said NHS have not supported a third site in North Ayrshire to date with access to Crosshouse being deemed “appropriate.”
He told the council meeting yesterday that walk-in testing could be an option.
He said: “Discussion has now moved to the potential for walk in facilities. They would need to be more accessible and closer to densely populated areas, ie located near towns. This is under review by public health in conjunction with NHS clinical leads who manage the testing centre activity.”
