WHILST there are some problems across the UK in the booking of local COVID-19 tests; Hywel Dda University Health Board is assuring people that local tests are being carried out in all three counties.
The health board is aware of difficulties reported by local people in accessing tests via the UK Booking Portal and 119 bilingual telephone service. This is due to an increase in demand for COVID-19 tests across the UK.
In some cases, the site is not showing access to local testing sites and only showing testing available in eastern parts of Wales, England or Scotland. At other times, the system is completely unavailable.
The Welsh Government has raised the issue with the UK Government.
Director of Therapies and Health Science for Hywel Dda University Health Board Alison Shakeshaft said: “Please be assured that we do have local testing capacity within Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire and we are speaking with partners to support resolution of the booking issues. Local people should not need to travel excessive distances to access a test.”
Tests are available via appointment only to members of the public at the Showground, Carmarthen; Canolfan Rheidol in Aberystwyth and Pembrokeshire Archives in Haverfordwest. These are drive-through sites, please do not turn up on site on foot or without an appointment as you will be turned away.
Hywel Dda University Health Board also has several venues for the testing of patients coming into hospital or undergoing certain treatments, across the three counties. These venues are not publically announced as they are for a target audience, by direct appointment, and are subject to different opening times and to change.
Alison said: “Thank you to our communities for working with us to Keep Hywel Dda Safe.”
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