Hospital Trusts across Greater Manchester ask ‘don’t go to A&E’ for Covid test

Coronavirus

After news we published earlier on Wednesday (16th September 2020) about people attending Accident and Emergency in order to get a Coronavirus test, Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership are now pleading with people not to go to A&E with Covid symptoms.

Hospitals across Greater Manchester have been reporting seeing people queueing outside their emergency rooms hoping to be one of the lucky ones to get a test for the deadly virus.

However, they risk spreading the virus to more vulnerable people and healthcare workers claim the Partnership.

In a statement a spokesperson for the Partnership said: “We are imploring people with coronavirus symptoms to not visit emergency departments or GP practices to seek a test for the virus.

“Doing so, risks spreading the virus to more vulnerable people and healthcare workers, while also adding to the pressure already being felt by our health services.

“If someone does have coronavirus symptoms, they should isolate for ten days and book a test through NHS.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. These are the only two ways of booking a test. Neither emergency departments or GPs are able to assist in booking tests and cannot provide coronavirus testing themselves.

“If someone is suffering from symptoms that have made them seriously ill and they believe they need urgent medical attention, they should still seek help at an emergency department.

“We understand that many are feeling frustrated with the availability of tests, work is taking place nationally to fix the problem and reduce the wait.

“However, in the meantime we’re asking for people’s patience and support. Coronavirus has affected us all and if the situation is going to improve, we all need to think about the impact our actions could have on those with the greatest need.”

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