North Yorkshire public urged not to use GPs or local hospitals for Covid-19 tests

A motorist being tested for Covid-19.

North Yorkshire residents have been urged not to contact their GP or local hospitals if they have symptoms of the coronavirus.

The appeal comes as health chiefs warn of a rise in cases in the county and high demand for Covid-19 tests with reports of people being unable to obtain tests locally.

The North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and health and care partners have thanked  residents for doing the right thing and getting tested when they exhibit Covid-19 symptoms – a new continuous cough, a fever or a change in sense of taste or smell.

However, they say it is essential that patients who have symptoms access care in the most appropriate way.

To learn more about Covid-19, including symptoms and how to self-care, people should access the dedicated NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ or the Government website https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus not their GP practice or local hospital.

To get information about testing, including the opportunity to order a test if needed, patients should use the established websites if at all possible.

The NHS website provides advice on who should seek a test (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/) or people can go directly to the Government website to book a test (https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/antigen/name).

People who do not have access to the internet can call 119 to arrange a test. Neither GP practices or hospitals are able to arrange or undertake tests  for members of the public .

Dr Charles Parker, North Yorkshire CCG Clinical Chair, said “Hospitals and GP practices are working hard to be able to deliver the maximum services possible following the necessary changes imposed by Covid-19.

“To help with this recovery, please book coronavirus testing using the national testing website if you develop new symptoms.

“Please continue to protect yourselves, your loved ones, and the NHS by following the national guidance summed up in Hands, Face, Space”