Privacy concerns at drive-in test centre
THE Mayor of Wexford, Cllr George Lawlor has contacted the HSE about putting measures in place to protect the privacy of patients attending the drive-in Covid-19 test centre at Whitemill Industrial Estate.
The centre officially became operational on Monday of last week and since they have been processing people deemed in need of testing as quickly as possible. It was stressed from the very beginning that appointments at the test centre were given out by referral only and people were asked to consult with their GPs and not just turn up at the centre. Similarly, people were asked not to turn up at the centre to look around and to respect the privacy of those in attendance.
‘I’ve been contacted by a number of people who had concerns over the levels of privacy afforded to them, sitting in their cars waiting at the test centre on a busy road with people passing all the time,’ Cllr Lawlor said. ‘It’s not something that would be an issue for me and I’d like to stress that people should have absolutely no reservations about turning up for testing. It’s just that some people have said they felt a little uncomfortable sitting their in full view waiting for a test.’
Cllr Lawlor says he has contacted the HSE on the matter and he’s hopeful that they’ll take action.
‘I’ve been in touch with them and requested that they take a couple of small measures to enhance the privacy of those attending the centre,’ he said. ‘I’m hopeful they’ll accede to my request and that something can be sorted out in the coming days.’