04 Jun 2020

Statement from NHS St Helens CCG on the Covid-19 mobile testing unit at Eccleston Park golf course.

Mobile testing units (MTUs) are an initiative from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and operated by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Mobile testing units are an important intervention to stop the spread of Covid-19, they travel around the UK, responding to need, to increase access to anyone over the age of 5 who is showing symptoms of coronavirus and operate strictly by appointment only.

The Eccleston Park site will be operational from Wednesday 3rd June for an initial period of three days and can provide around 100 tests a day – this will depend on the success of the operation and include feedback from nearby residents.

In line with all other MTU deployments, this is a drive through site and people being swabbed will remain in their vehicles and the whole operation adheres to strict infection and prevention control to ensure there is no contact with any residents of the area. The unit will be sited as far as possible away from the residential area and the site will be signposted with Army officers stationed at all entrances and exits to the facility to ensure that there is strict adherence to all rules and nothing is left overnight on-site.

As the road was previously used to access a golf course and club house, the access to and usage of the 100 bay car park will be less than in the past and will also not have the peak usage that a golf course would experience.

 

You should request a test if you have one of more symptoms of coronavirus:

  • a high temperature
  • a new, continuous cough
  • a loss of or change to your sense of smell or taste

Members of the public who require a Covid-19 test can request a test at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/ask-for-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/

Essential workers, including NHS staff, social care staff and staff/residents of care homes should request at test at: https://www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test-essential-workers