Anyone requested a test yet using new Govt testing site

[disorganisedsecretsquirrel]

Hi, I am on the keyworker list and completed the application today.

I was meant to receive a response in 'a few' minutes. That was at 6.35 this morning. Still no reply.

Anyone received a text yet ? I am guessing the site will be overwhelmed.

[notanotherpandemic]

I've tried. But they said there was an error so looks like they've either run out of tests or the website has crashed. I did receive my code then when I applied it it just said error call this number...

[SkelingtonArgument]

Have you got symptoms then? How far will you have to travel to get tested?

[Bounceyflouncey]

They've run out of tests already. I do think if the point of them to is to enable workers to carry on delivering essential services, it should be more defined who is eligible. Technically my team is, but we are mostly working from home, but several colleagues have applied for a test. Surely they are for those who are having to be out and about? Plus what if you don't have a car? Sorry for the tangent but goes to explaining why they've run out already probably.

[Bounceyflouncey]

Just read you can get 5 a household. I hope people don't abuse the system, when swine flu was about a lot of people phoned feigning symptoms so they could have them in the house just in case which led to shortages.

[pocketem]

The site has been closed now 😒

[TabbyMumz]

You can only test within a few days of symptoms coming out. It's not the case that you can get your whole team done, as presuming they wont all have symptoms, and also wont all have got it at exactly the same time.

[pocketem]

Dear oh dear. What a mess.

One of the testing sites that Hancock trumpeted as helping us ramp up capacity was the privately-run one located at Chessington, managed by Deloitte's. This privatisation-obsesser government preferred this to expanding NHS capacity. Now local NHS bosses are urgently trying to take over the facility after a number of errors including test swabs going missing, and doctors receiving results for the wrong patient.

In an email written in early April, and seen by the Guardian, the chief executive of Epsom hospital said: “Deloitte who have been commissioned by the Department of Health directly for this are not running this as well as we would like … [We] are asking whether we can take over the running of the Chessington centre because we really need it to work much better than it is.”

[Elouera]

Did the site give you a list of places nearby to choose from, or does it allocate you a screening location?

[notanotherpandemic]

It told me I would be sent the test through the post. So frustrating I'm isolating for the second time in so many weeks as I have a high temp and a cough. I would really like to get back to work but clearly that won't be happening anytime soon.

[disorganisedsecretsquirrel]

I have to confess I didn't understand this was for people with symptoms or living with people who have symptoms. I thought it was to see if you have already had it (anti body test) but realise that hasn't come on line yet.

I did get a code to book a test but haven't continued because we have no symptoms in the household.

[HarrietOh]

I think they need to make it clear on the website the test is only for people who have developed symptoms. I bet so many have ordered thinking it's some sort of anti body test!

[GetOffYourHighHorse]

Yes it said on the news that it has closed for today as all slots have been booked. It really isn't helpful to say 'closed' as it does lead to confusion and presumptions that is has crashed as has been screeched all over Twitter as 'another government balls up'.

Far better to say when next capacity will be available, people need clear instruction. Agree with pp it needed to be clear it is for those with symptoms or those who have family members with symptoms.

[SkelingtonArgument]

But it was clear that it was only for people with symptoms! From the government website:
Who can be tested
Our priority is testing patients to inform their clinical diagnosis. In addition, we are now also testing:

essential workers with symptoms
people who live with essential workers and have symptoms

[Lightsabre]

I registered at 8.30am, was told I'd get a text then .... nothing!