Local MP Maria Miller has contacted Department of Health Ministers following concerns expressed by local residents over the weekend about the availability of coronavirus test slots.
Maria said, “The continuing pandemic is a worrying time for everyone but particularly people who develop symptoms of Coronavirus. Access to testing remains crucial. People have contacted me concerned about reports that there are no Coronavirus tests available in Basingstoke. And over the weekend some have found it difficult to secure a slot to be tested in the NHS online booking system. I have taken those concerns direct to Department of Health Ministers who have confirmed that there has been a significant increase in demand for tests with 1,798 tests given to residents in our Borough in the past week. In addition, Hampshire Hospitals Trust have confirmed that they have also undertaken an additional 1,615 tests amongst staff and patients in the past 4 days, an increase in demand of 50% with 3 positive tests.
“There has been a significant increase in the demand for Coronavirus tests throughout the country and I will continue to urge the Government to increase testing capacity so there are no delays in securing a test but at the moment it is important to note that more testing is being done per head of population in the UK compared with almost any other major nation. And here in Basingstoke and Deane more than 3000 tests were accessed in the past week.”
“If people have Coronavirus symptoms they should immediately go online to book a test either at a testing site or to request a home test kit. It you have difficulty in securing a slot then the NHS advice is to try again at a later time. Can I also urge residents who have symptoms to contact me direct if they are not able to secure a slot. And a reminder that NHS advice is that people who do not have Coronavirus symptoms should not apply for a test.”
Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus
