NHS Fife is to expand capacity for the local testing of coronavirus with the addition of a new ‘drive-through’ testing facility.
A mobile testing team has visited those who have met the criteria for coronavirus testing set out by Health Protection Scotland.
NHS Fife was one of the earliest adopters of the community mobile testing model, with specially trained nurses visiting patients in the own home to perform the necessary testing.
The “drive-through” facility is in the grounds of Cameron Hospital near Windygates and will supplement the mobile testing team, which will continue to operate across the Kingdom.
Dr Esther Curnock, deputy director of public health, said: “NHS Fife has well-rehearsed procedures in place to deal with the potential of communicable viruses such as coronavirus.
“Over recent weeks we have seen a steady rise in the numbers of people requiring testing for coronavirus and we anticipate a sharper increase over the coming weeks.
“It’s crucial that we can continue to test those meeting the criteria in a timely way and so we are now increasing the testing capacity we have available.
“The vast majority of those tested in recent weeks show little or no symptoms of the virus, and so are suitably able to drive to our testing facility.
“Our mobile testing team will, however, continue to operate in the same manner as it has done previously to test those unable to make their own way to our testing site.
“Crucially, only those who have been assessed by a GP over the phone and given an appointment by Public Health should present at our testing site. Those presenting without an appointment will not be seen.”
NHS Fife says it continues to work with Scottish Government and colleagues nationally to ensure it is well prepared to manage any cases of coronavirus.
Two cases have so far been identified in Fife, but that figure has remained static since they emerged on Friday.
The NHS Inform website has the most up-to-date information and advice: https://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus
