Temporary mobile testing unit in Brodick plugs gap
Appeal for people to get checked twice a week
A mobile testing unit (MTU) is temporarily available at Brodick Health Centre for people who have Covid symptoms.
The unit will be open between 1pm and 4pm today (Friday) until Thursday September 9, excluding Saturday and Sunday.
It arrived last Wednesday, but the Banner was informed after it went to press.
It appears this is a temporary arrangement due to staff shortages at Arran Medical Group, with testing staff having to come from the mainland. Normal testing centre arrangements will resume at the health centre once new staff are appointed.
If you have symptoms of Covid, you can book a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at Brodick by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test Lynne McNiven, director of public health for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, said: ‘Testing helps us identify more cases of the virus and give us all a better chance of stopping it from spreading.
‘It is vital we identify positive cases of Covid quickly so that person can self-isolate.
‘So if you have symptoms please book a test as soon as possible.
‘While it is important to get a PCR test if you have symptoms, we are also encouraging those without symptoms to take up the offer of regular lateral flow testing (LFT). You can pick up an LFT kit from the pharmacy on Arran.
‘Even those who are fully vaccinated should get tested twice a week. If you are a key worker and must attend work, it is even more important to get tested regularly.’
The main symptoms of Covid are a new continuous cough, high temperature – 37.8ºC or above – and/or a loss or change in sense of taste or smell. There may be other milder symptoms which can include hay fever symptoms, sore throat, runny nose, headaches, vomiting and diarrhoea.
The MTU service is reliant on the ferry service so if there is any disruption to the ferries, it will not be possible to run the MTU service and you may need to re-book your appointment. In this case, you must continue to self-isolate until you can be tested and receive your result. Further information can be found at www.nhsaaa.net/coronavirus-covid-19/testing and details about the dedicated support available to anyone who needs to self-isolate, including food packages and financial support, can be found at www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/Coronavirus.aspx