‘Please do not visit A&E or a GP practice to ask for a test for coronavirus’. That is the plea from the NHS in Leeds as it reminds people that they must book a test online or call 119.
The plea comes as a small number of people have tried visited local accident and emergency departments or contacted their GP practice solely to get a test.
Dr Sarah Davey, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“People should not come to A&E for the primary purpose of getting a COVID-19 test. A&E staff arrange tests for people who are seriously ill or injured and who need to be admitted to hospital as an emergency but we are not set up as a community testing centre.
“Our staff are specialists in emergency medicine; A&E does not have the right facilities to test people who have mild symptoms.”
Dr Jason Broch, Leeds GP and Clinical Chair of NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group, warned people not to visit their GP practice. He said:
“There is no testing available a[at your GP] and, if you have coronavirus symptoms, you will be putting others at risk. If you have symptoms such as: a new persistent cough, a high fever or loss of smell or taste, you can book a test using the NHS online booking system (www.nhs.uk/coronavirus) or calling 119.
“We are aware that there is a high level of demand for tests. Therefore we’d like to remind people to only access a test if you have symptoms.”
People can book a test by:
- Using the online booking system: www.nhs.uk/coronavirus to either attend a testing site or to order a home testing kit; or
- calling 119.
All testing sites operate on an appointment only basis, with some having limited or no parking. People are advised to check before their appointment.
Anyone with coronavirus symptoms needs to self-isolate for 10 days and anyone living in the same household needs to self-isolate for 14 days.
Drive through testing site in Leeds
A drive-through site is situated at the Temple Green Park and Ride, Temple Green Park and Ride, Aire Valley Dr, Leeds LS9 0PS.
When attending a site for testing, please stay in your car with your windows closed and follow instructions from site staff.
A mobile unit travels around the region so that you can be tested close to your home. If the unit is not near you at the time you need to be tested, you should attend the regional testing centre at Temple Green or order a home testing kit.
You need to book ahead before turning up.
Walk-through testing sites in Leeds
If you don’t have a car, there are two walk-through testing sites for people living or working within walking distance. The sites are at:
- Bridge Community Church (Rider Street, in the LS9 7BQ postcode area of Leeds)
- and Gryphon Sports Centre (University of Leeds campus, Woodsley Road, LS2 9LZ).
The Gryphon walk-through testing centre is open seven days a week from 8am until 8pm, the Bridge Community Church walk-through testing centre is open Monday to Saturday from 8am until 8pm.
To use the walk-through testing sites it is best to have a pre-booked appointment which can be done through the NHS website or by ringing 119.
For more information on coronavirus visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.