Boy, 10, denied virus test
Lack of transport scuppers boy’s bid for check
An asthmatic boy with Covid- 19 symptoms was denied a test – because he had no transport to the Prestwick drive- in centre.
The child, 10, was told to self- isolate due to a lack of home testing kits. His frantic mum said he was left with a temperature of 38.5° C and tightness in his chest.
She revealed: “Every mum wants their children to be safe and feel reassured.
“My son might just have the cold or the flu.
“But because we cannot get the test and don’t have access to a car we need to self- isolate.”
A 10- year- old asthmatic boy with Covid- 19 symptoms has been denied a test because he had no transport to the Prestwick drive- in centre.
There were also no home testing kits available to the child who had a temperature of 38.5C and tightness in his chest.
The youngster from Ayr was advised to get a test by NHS 24.
His single mum who does not drive had no way of getting to Prestwick.
And walking wasn’t an option as the service is for people arriving by car only.
The family were told by an NHS advice service their only choice was to isolate until yesterday ( Tuesday).
The mother- of- three said: “Every mum wants their children to be safe and feel reassured there is nothing wrong with them.
“I am disappointed to find out there is no help available in this situation.”
In response the Scottish Government said there is “very high demand” for home testing kits right now and it is looking at increasing capacity.
The distressed mother, who does not have any family nearby, said: “If this impacts me it will also affect older people.
“They may not drive or even have the internet to book tests online.
“How can they access tests if they don’t have family to organise it for them?”
The mum, who did not want to be named, added: “My son might just have the cold or the flu.
“But because we cannot get the test and don’t have access to a car we need to self isolate.
“I hope something can be changed to help support vulnerable people, single parents or anybody who needs it.”
She tried to book a walk in centre test but that was not available at all.
There have been reports of Ayrshire people being directed to testing sites in Glasgow and elsewhere in the country.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Home testing kits are available for people unable to attend a testing centre although this UK service is experiencing very high demand.
“Testing centres, home testing kits and the booking system are operated by the UK Government and we are working closely with them to resolve the recent challenges that people have experienced.
“We are also working with health boards to assess a number of options to increase testing capacity and reduce turnaround times for those tests processed through our own laboratories.
“It is crucial that testing and results are provided in a timely manner and we would like to thank people who have experienced delays in booking a test or receiving their results for their patience.”
Every mum wants their children to be safe and feel reassured there is nothing wrong