MSPcallsforclarityafter testcentrewas‘closed’

Questions over the Ravenscraig Covid-19 test centre have reached the floor of the Scottish Parliament.

Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson raised the question at Holyrood during First Minister’s Questions after receiving a complaint from one constituent who turned up at the centre for a test to find it was shut.

The MSP stated that her office had received a concerning report from a constituent, who had attended a scheduled Covid-19 test at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Centre.

They arrived to find the site closed – the gates were padlocked and there was no signage or information for those who were affected.

Speaking to the

Wishaw Press this week, Ms Adamson said:“I have now written to the First Minister regarding the testing centre at

Ravenscraig and I am awaiting a response.

“It is imperative that my constituents are given reliable information at this time of great uncertainty and that any concerns are addressed.

“The Scottish Ambulance Service has just taken control of the site from the UK Military.

“I would expect to see improvements in access to appointments, greater flexibility and more efficient oversight at Ravenscraig following this move.”

Last week, we reported that worried Wishaw folk were being sent hundreds of miles for Covid checks despite having a testing facility on their doorstep.

And one woman claims she was offered slots at centres in Rothesay, Inverness or Belfast due to capacity issues at the established site at Ravenscraig.

Vicky Gaughan contacted her doctor due to having a chest infection.

But she was shocked to learn she would have to take a Covid test before being prescribed antibiotics and believes the whole process was a “waste of time”.

Vicky’s experience is similar to that of many residents who have been sent to several parts of the country despite a test centre being at Ravenscraig.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon replied in the chamber:“I have not been aware of particular issues at Ravenscraig.

“Obviously, I would be very happy and keen to look into and understand further the issue that Clare Adamson has raised.”