Dozens of West Lothian NHS and social care staff were screened for Covid-19 in just three days after a new testing centre was opened in Livingston.
The facility opened in the grounds of West Lothian College last Thursday and since then 73 key workers have been tested for the virus.
Health bosses said uptake for testing among health and social care staff was “encouraging” and offered screening for local staff on their doorstep.
Some 73 workers were tested at the facility on Friday, April 24, Saturday, April 25 and Monday, April 27.
It has the capacity to undertake 600 tests per week and is open to NHS Lothian, Health and Social Care and local care home staff.
Dr Tracey Gillies, medical director, NHS Lothian, said: “We are pleased that uptake of Covid-19 testing at our new testing facility at West Lothian College for health and social care staff has been very encouraging with 73 tests undertaken since opening.
“This new facility allows us to expand testing availability, providing additional access to testing for staff.”
NHS Lothian had come under criticism from Lawrence Fitzpatrick, the leader of West Lothian Council, for not opening a testing facility for local staff who would instead have to travel to the centre of Edinburgh.
He welcomed the new centre in Livingston.
He said: “Staff within the West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership and independent care providers that have symptoms are able to access the centre at West Lothian College, as well as the centre in Edinburgh, to ensure that testing can take place within the first 72 hours.
“That is crucial and thoroughly welcomed.
“A number of council care staff have been tested already and we expect that number to grow over the coming days and weeks.
“The council is working closely with colleagues in NHS Lothian to ensure that health and social care staff have continued access to Covid-19 testing locally where it is required.”
