To offer me a Covid test in Rothesay or Belfast is ridiculous Anger at lack of local slots

A Wishaw woman was ordered to travel across the country for a Covid-19 test – despite having no virus symptoms.

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 said: “I called my doctor trying to get antibiotics for a chest infection that I have. I have no other Covid symptoms, not even a high temperature.

“However, I was told that I had to get a Covid test or the doctor wouldn’t prescribe the antibiotics.

“I live five minutes down the road from Ravenscraig but was told there was no available slots and the nearest one was in Rothesay.

“I kept trying to get one nearer and was then offered either Rothesay, Inverness or Belfast.

“Imagine if I did have Covid and was going on a ferry or plane to Belfast?

“The only reason I managed to get a home test sent out to me was when I typed in that I didn’t drive. It’s ridiculous.

“Personally I think it’s a waste of resources.

“I knew I didn’t have coronavirus as I had no other symptoms.

“I get chest infections once or twice per year and yet I had to take a test and they were trying to send me across the country to get it.

“The NHS is on its knees and we are putting a bigger strain on it with doctors insisting on people getting Covid tests when they have no other symptoms.”

Vicky’s experience is similar to that of many residents who have been