Leader slams ‘abysmal’ test system

THE leader of the council has described the testing system as ‘abysmal’ as virus levels in Rochdale remain among some of the highest in the region.

Rochdale had 14,542 cases of coronavirus as of October 6 with only Oldham and Manchester being hit worse.

This has led to new restrictions being brought into Rochdale, including bands on people meeting with others outside their households or support bubbles, bans on sharing a car, wearing face masks in indoor settings, and maintaining two metres distance.

Leader of the Council, Coun Allen Brett, said: “It’s the government. They control the situation and they control the whole process. We have asked them to keep us informed and if we can’t administer tests locally ourselves.

“But their whole system is abysmal.” It comes as health and consumer champion Healthwatch Rochdale listed a series of ‘key failings’ in testing.

The group claims many people are confused over how to book a test, when they should get tested, and a difficulty in accessing tests.

Kate Jones, Healthwatch Rochdale Chief Executive Officer, said: “Healthwatch Rochdale will be working with local health and social care providers and statutory partners to discuss how these findings can be used to help ensure that improvements are made locally.”

Other problems included delays in getting a test, tests being refused, QR codes not accepted, keyworkers losing income, an impact on those they care for, children missing school, and a lack of confidence in the accuracy of data protection or results.