A “drive-through” Covid-19 testing service is set to be introduced by the NHS as the UK outbreak climbs to 16 infected patients.
Currently, only the Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust in Parsons Green will be running the new service, which aims to help residents test for coronavirus “safely and quickly” and close to their home.
Patients must first call NHS 111 to be referred for an appointment which will take place while they are still in their car, reports Hull Live.
During the consultation, two community nurses will carry out a swab in the nose and mouth, which are checked and assessed within 72 hours.
Patients will be asked to self-isolate while checks are completed, to prevent any potential onward transmission of the virus.
NHS medical director, Professor Stephen Powis, said: “The NHS is working hard to prepare for possible service impacts and and services across the country are putting in place pragmatic, inventive and safe measures to help people get tested for coronavirus.
“It’s important that anyone who is worried about symptoms of the virus, or who has travelled to affected areas, uses NHS 111 to get advice, and as we continue to manage the outbreak and, as more people may need to self-isolate, our NHS staff will help people to deal with the virus calmly and professionally.”
Dr Joanne Medhurst, medical director for Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, added: “We’ve set up the ‘drive through’ service to make sure people in our community can get safe, convenient and quick checks for coronavirus, as part of NHS efforts to keep everyone safe.
“It’s crucial that, as a community service, we help residents in our area to get accurate, timely advice while managing extra pressure on the NHS, and so far this week we’ve had good feedback from people that the swabbing service offers reassurance at what can be a difficult time.”
The initiative comes after yesterday, the first case was confirmed in nearby Gloucestershire and St Mary’s School in Tetbury has today confirmed the person is one of its staff members.
The case in the Cotswolds was among three identified on Saturday, February 29.
A second patient from Gloucestershire was confirmed on Sunday.
