Testing chaos puts services in NHS at risk
COVID-19 testing is in chaos and putting NHS services “at risk”, Health Secretary Matt Hancock was warned.
He came under fire in Scotland and Wales over a “UK-wide” backlog on test results, and the “shocking” mobile testing system.
NHS trust leaders told him hospitals in Bristol, Leeds and London struggled to get tests for staff at the weekend, forcing many to self-isolate, leaving a shortage of front-line workers.
NHS Providers chief Chris Hopson said: “There are current capacity problems with the testing regime.”
In Bolton, the area with the highest number of new cases, and Gateshead, another hotspot, mobile testing units simply failed to turn up.
Conservative leader of Bolton council, David Greenhalgh, said: “This is an unacceptable situation.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Mr Hancock had proposed limiting test slots in Scottish test centres. Community testing in Wales was also “hampered by ongoing issues”.
Mr Hancock, who was visiting Shotley Bridge Hospital in Co Durham, said officials were “working hard to increase capacity” and the “vast majority of people were getting tested”. But Gateshead council leader Martin Gannon said: “If this is ‘enhanced support’ from the Government, God help us.”
Rachel Louise, one of those left without a test in Bolton, said: “It’s just an absolute disgrace.”
London radio station LBC claimed there were no tests available in any of the 10 Covid-19 hotspots in England, which the Department of Health and Social Care denied.
Business figures, including the former chief information officer at Jaguar, have been hired to lead the NHS Test and Trace body, according to a leaked document. There was dismay last night that just one member of the new executive committee at NHS T&T has any clinical experience.
Police in Greater Manchester were called to more than 400 illegal gatherings at the weekend.