NHS Grampian explores possibility of full-time walk-in Covid-19 test centre for Moray
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NHS Grampian is exploring options for expanding Covid-19 testing options in Moray, the region's MSP says.
A mobile testing unit is now operating on alternate days between Elgin's Lossie Green and Peterhead, it has been confirmed. This is being run by the Scottish Ambulance Service, taking over from the Army, as part of the UK Government response.
However, SNP MSP Richard Lochhead said he had received a commitment from health officials to still look at the possibility of a full-time, walk-in Covid-19 test centre in Elgin.
Moray health and social care staff, and other key workers such as teachers, can be tested at Elgin's Glassgreen testing centre, run by NHS Scotland.
But residents of Moray outwith these categories have had to contend with long journeys to Inverness and Aberdeen to get tested through the UK Government booking system.
However, dialogue is ongoing between local politicians and health officials on how to best provide tests.
Mr Lochhead said: "The public health team are doing an incredible job, as can be seen from their very effective contact tracing in the recent Aberdeen spike, which put the brakes on that outbreak.
"There is a clear desire from the NHS to steadily enhance testing options as Covid restrictions ease and more people seek tests.
"Having a walk-in test centre available in Moray would be a big help to folk in the region and reduce the need to travel significant distances to get tested.
"In addition, as universities return to operation in the coming weeks, it would help our local student and Moray College UHI staff population to get easier access to test facilities, should that be needed."
He added: "NHS Grampian have made it clear that they are looking at a range of options – including siting a walk-in test facility in Moray – and I very much welcome that they are exploring this option.
"Significant preparation work is required to ensure any enhanced testing arrangements can operate effectively from the get go and that work is very much ongoing."
Moray Conservative MP Douglas Ross and leader of the Conservative group on Moray Council Councillor Tim Eagle (Buckie) launched a campaign last week to highlight testing concerns from the Moray public. They welcomed news this week that a mobile unit was now to visit every other day.
Mr Ross said he was delighted that NHS Grampian had listened to the concerns of people in Moray, and added: "Having a mobile testing unit in place is a good way forward and also offers NHS Grampian some flexibility."
Cllr Eagle said he believed the alternating mobile testing unit could travel to other Moray towns if required. He said: "Because the unit is mobile it also gives NHS Grampian the ability to move that unit to other towns in the area should the need arise."
He added: "I am pleased they recognised the concerns of local people in regards local testing."
As well as key worker testing at Glassgreen and the mobile testing unit, home testing kits are available. These are delivered next day by Amazon and can be returned again as soon as the home testing samples have been taken. Where people are unable to travel, public health staff have carried out home visits to take test samples.
