New testing centre in Leicestershire

A new coronavirus testing centre is due to open in Birstall.

The drive-through facility is under construction at Birstall Park & Ride as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to increase testing for thousands more NHS and other key workers. 

The site will operate on an appointment-only basis for NHS staff and other key workers. The facility will be piloted for its first few days of operation.

It is part of the increasing testing capacity announced by the government to help reach the target set by the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, of 100,000 tests per day by the end of April. 

The project to bring testing to Leicestershire is being supported by the County Council. 

Nick Rushton, Leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “The County Council owns the park and ride site, operated jointly with the City Council. We are pleased to be able to make it available to assist the response to the pandemic and to make it easier for our key frontline workers to get tested. It is being set up in a really short time and it’s a great partnership effort with the Government and its contractors.”

Health Minister Lord Bethell said:

“The Government is rapidly scaling up the national effort to boost testing capacity for coronavirus to protect the vulnerable, support our NHS, and ultimately save lives.

“This new service will help end the uncertainty of whether NHS and social care staff and other essential workers need to stay at home, meaning those who test negative will be able to return to work.

“This is a national effort and we are proud to be working with a number of partners to turn this ambition into a reality and roll out additional capacity to where it is needed.”

Professor John Newton, National Coordinator for the UK Coronavirus Testing Strategy, said: 

“New testing sites such as this one are a key pillar of our 5-pillar plan to scale up testing, and are critical in supporting NHS staff and other frontline workers who are isolating at home to return safely to work if the test is negative.”

“This is a brilliant example of industries and businesses turning their resources to creating and rolling out mass testing at scale, which will help to deliver on our aim of carrying out 100,000 tests a day across the UK by the end of the month.”

 The testing centre is being operated in partnership with G4S, and will offer assisted and self-administered tests. Those tested will receive their results within a few days.

Gordon Brockington, G4S Director said:

“We are proud of our important role in setting up and managing this Covid-19 testing site, and other similar sites across the UK. It has been inspiring to see the enthusiasm of our employees to step up and support the government, our health services and the public during this crisis.” 

A Boots UK spokesperson said:

“Boots has been at the heart of UK healthcare for 171 years and has always come forward to support the community in times of need. Our team in Leicester is no exception. Some of our colleagues have already stepped forward to volunteer to run this COVID-19 testing station, which will start testing its first critical workers on Thursday.”

The Government has also set up a home-testing service for critical key workers, supported by Amazon's logistics network and other commercial partners.