MP slams ‘shambolic’ Covid-19 testing system
THE coronavirus testing system has been described as “shambolic” and “a complete and utter farce” after one Coventry resident was directed to Inverness for a test.
The critical comments came as Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana took Health Secretary Matt Hancock to task in the House of Commons on Tuesday (September 15), saying her constituents had been left in “distress and despair” after being left unable to book tests.
Mr Hancock defended the system, saying that 762 people were tested in Coventry on Monday - an increase on the previous week, but he did acknowledge that more capacity is needed.
The Telegraph covered a number of cases where people in the city were unable to get tests - or were directed to drive hundreds of miles to get one.
One parent was told to go to Moffat, in Scotland, while another was directed to Inverness.
Speaking on national television last week, Mr Hancock blamed people who are ‘ineligible’ for causing the chaos.
People should only request tests through the NHS when they have coronavirus symptoms or if they are asked to get a test by their local council.
Ms Sultana said: “There are three testing centres in Coventry, but constituents have told me of their distress and despair that they cannot access a test.
“Some cannot book a test anywhere, while others have booked only to be turned away at the centres.
“There are also cases of people in Coventry being directed as far away as Inverness.
“The Government have had six months to get testing sorted, and this is a complete and utter farce.
“The Secretary of State’s quoting figures is not good enough, so when will this mess be fixed?”
Mr Hancock replied: “Of course, as the honorable lady well knows, we are working both to increase capacity and to ensure that we have prioritisation so that the people who need a test most can get access to those tests.
“I am sure she will agree that it is important not only to listen to voices and the stories of those people who have had difficult experiences, but to ensure that we look at the facts on the ground.
“There were 762 people yesterday who got a test in Coventry, and that is an increase over the previous week.”