Health Board defend choice of Rossett Coronavirus testing unit as councillor says location is ‘wholly unsuitable’
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board have defended the choice of Rossett as a location for a Coronavirus community testing unit.
Wrexham.com reported on Friday morning that Rossett had been selected as a the site for the unit.
Only patients who have completed an initial assessment through the all-Wales 111 telephone service and who have an appointment will be tested at the units. Members of the public who visit the units without having had an assessment through 111 will not be tested. The units are not operating a walk-in service and will not provide testing without a prior appointment.
Yesterday the councillor for the Rossett ward, Cllr Hugh Jones, told us, “The decision by BCUHB to select the Rossett Clinic for ‘drive through’ Convid-19 testing fails to take account of the logistics of the site. Firstly it is too small for a drive through facility, Secondly the access down a narrow residential lane is wholly unsuitable, Thirdly it is in close proximity to a Primary School. Fourthly it is in a closely knit residential community with adjacent properties.
“I have received professional medical opinion that states that this site is wholly unfit for the purpose for which it has been selected.”
“I have written to the Director and Chair of BCYHB asking to see a copy of the risk assessment and to also express my concern that I learned of the decision via Wrexham.com which flies in the face of partnership working.”
Dr Chris Stockport, Executive Director For Primary Care and Community Services, said: “The situation regarding Covid-19 is evolving quickly.
“An appropriate options appraisal was undertaken to identify potential sites to locate a drive-in clinic to cover Wrexham and Flintshire, and following this a specific risk assessment was undertaken for the site in Rossett. Given a number of factors, including the time available, the site in Rossett was identified as being the most suitable.
“Whilst all tests in North Wales have so far been negative, a large number of community tests have had to be undertaken, and that will continue. In line with national guidance, all swabs need to be undertaken with staff deployed in full PPE.
“The use of a drive-in approach not only allows us to use our staff as efficiently as possible, but also more safely, as they are able to put on PPE (personal protective equipment) and remove it in a more controlled environment. This is an approach that is supported nationally, and Public Health experts are content that this approach is entirely safe.”
Today the Health Board released details and pictures of the three Community Testing Units (CTUs) that have been set up in North Wales to support the response to tackling Coronavirus. The Health Board say the drive-through units will help Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board meet demand for testing over the coming weeks, and are located at Rossett Clinic, Wrexham; Bryn y Neuadd Hospital in Llanfairfechan; and Ysbyty Alltwen in Porthmadog.
Following an initial assessment by NHS Direct Wales or 111 and Public Health Wales, patients who meet the case definition of having potentially been infected, and who are well enough and able to drive, will be asked to attend the Unit for a COVID-19 test. This is a simple throat and nasal swab.
The drive-up unit, which helps keep potential patients isolated in their vehicle, supports testing in people’s homes, which has to date been used across North Wales and will continue to be available for people unable to drive or travel to the drive-through units.
The Health Board say there is no additional risk to people living in the immediate vicinities of these units. A range of precautions and infection prevention measures have been considered and put in place, including strict clinical protocols and the use of Personal Protective Equipment, to keep staff, patients and people living and working nearby safe.
Dr David Fearnley, Executive Medical Director for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “Our Community Testing Units are not drop-in centres. Testing will only be available for people who have been referred there following a diagnosis through the NHS Wales 111 service.
“Anybody with symptoms of coronavirus should contact the NHS by dialling 111 before visiting any healthcare setting, including hospitals or GP practices.
“Once an assessment through the 111 service has taken place, patients will be given advice about whether they should attend one of the centres, or arrangements will be made for a home testing team to visit their home. We would like to thank our staff for their hard work and commitment to protecting the health of our communities during what is an evolving situation.”
You can help stop the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) by ensuring you practise good hygiene. Cough and sneeze into a tissue, bin it and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Follow the latest guidance https://t.co/ekVuYFNRDo pic.twitter.com/FgqyireXQJ
— Public Health Wales (@PublicHealthW) March 10, 2020
Wales NHS has launched a new online symptom checker today for those worried about coronavirus. People who think they may have symptoms of COVID19 are being urged to use the new service as a ‘first port call.’
The new service is aimed easing some of the strain off the NHS 111 telephone helpline which has seen a huge spike in the number of calls it is dealing with.
“We know lots of you are worried about Coronavirus. That’s why we’ve developed our new online symptom checker. This should be your FIRST port of call for advice.
“111 is very busy so bear with us especially if you’re awaiting a call back. While waiting the best idea is to stay home”
Also be aware of the general advice on hand washing and catching coughs and sneezes in tissues, and Guidance for schools: advice for parents or carers.
The new symptom checker can be found here: www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk
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