A drive-through coronavirus testing facility is to open at Creekmoor Park and Ride in Poole as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to increase testing for thousands more NHS and other key workers.
The site sits alongside a rapidly expanding network of testing sites being set up around the UK, and is operating on an appointment-only basis for NHS staff and other key workers. The facility will be piloted for its first few days of operation.
This follows the launch of the Government’s partnership with universities, research institutes and companies to begin rollout of the network of new labs and field testing sites across the UK, with 29 regional testing sites opened to date.
This network will provide thousands more PCR swab tests – which are used to identify if you currently have the virus – for critical key workers, starting with NHS front line staff. This means those who test negative for coronavirus can return to work as soon as possible, and those who test positive are able to recover.
Health Minister Lord Bethell said:
“The Government is rapidly scaling up the national effort to boost testing capacity for coronavirus to protect the vulnerable, support our NHS, and ultimately save lives.
“This new service will help end the uncertainty of whether NHS and social care staff and other key workers need to stay at home, meaning those who test negative will be able to return to work.
“This is a national effort and we are proud to be working with a number of partners to turn this ambition into a reality and roll out additional capacity to where it is needed.”
Professor John Newton, National Coordinator for the UK Coronavirus Testing Strategy, said:
“New testing sites such as this one are a key pillar of our 5-pillar plan to scale up testing, and are critical in supporting NHS staff and other frontline workers who are isolating at home to return safely to work if the test is negative.”
“This is a brilliant example of industries and businesses turning their resources to creating and rolling out mass testing at scale, which will help to deliver on our aim of carrying out 100,000 tests a day across the UK by the end of the month.”
Debbie Fleming, Joint Chief Executive for Poole Hospital and The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals said:
“This new testing facility is very much welcomed within Dorset. It will enable us to significantly increase the number of tests that we can provide locally, which will in turn assist all agencies in getting key staff back to work swiftly and safely.
“It is great that all partners in Dorset have been working so well together, alongside national and regional agencies, to establish this facility as quickly as possible.”
The Government is also urgently working on setting up a home-testing service for critical key workers, supported by Amazon’s logistics network and other commercial partners.
The postcode of this facility is BH17 7AG.
I wish to have a test for COVID-19 to prove I am not infectious as I have been told because I had a cold so I have been labelled symptomatic Resident in a care home. I have been locked down for 14 days out on Monday. I must prove they are wrong in their diagnoses. I wish to clear my name and will pay if necessary. I have become very tearful, upset and it is affecting my health generly as I have pulmonary fibrosis and the so called experts have got it wrong. the symptoms for pulmonary fibrosis are the same as for COVID-1 how can they get it so wrong.
Hi Rita – the current infgormation about testing is: If you are key workers working for organisations within Dorset’s Local Resilience Forum your employer will be in touch on how you can be tested. If you are an essential worker such as a driver or work in a supermarket you will need to go through the national booking system https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/ But you can only be tested in the first 3 days of showing symptoms of the virus.
Please can you tell me the postcode. I cannot find anywhere on line
Hi Ann – the post code is BH17 7AG
I am a Driving Examiner conducting car driving tests with critical workers and from next week Joe Public .
As my employment means working within a confined space , motor car , for 30 minutes plus .
For peace of mind over the safety of my social bubble i would like to be tested
Hi Steven – visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ for details of how to get a test
I work in a care home and missed a routine PCR test.where can I get one done ASAP? Thanks
Is this centre open for testing today?
It says in the headline ‘to open’.
Hi Nicola – it is ope, but you will need an appointment. The current information about testing is: If you are key workers working for organisations within Dorset’s Local Resilience Forum your employer will be in touch on how you can be tested. If you are an essential worker such as a driver or work in a supermarket you will need to go through the national booking system https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/ But you can only be tested in the first 3 days of showing symptoms of the virus.
Hi,
I need to have a swab test on the 4/9/20 early morning? I am having an operation on the 7/9/20.
I will be staying with my partner from the 2/9/20
So I want to go to the nearest centre to his Postcode which is….
BH137HH
He is looking after me after the operation
When should I book for this test?
Gloria – visit https://www.gov.uk/testing-for-coronavirus for details
I’m a foot health practitioner for 6 care homes in this area. Can I book and have the coronavirus test please as I’m not working at the moment ?
Hi Chris – the current infgormation about testing is: If you are key workers working for organisations within Dorset’s Local Resilience Forum your employer will be in touch on how you can be tested. If you are an essential worker such as a driver or work in a supermarket you will need to go through the national booking system https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/ But you can only be tested in the first 3 days of showing symptoms of the virus.
My wife and I would like a test but it all goes to the government web site and they say the nearest site is Birmingham or Manchester, How do we get a test for Creekmoor?
David – testing is organised nationally. You will need to visit https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
Hi been trying to get test for daughter who can’t go to school and wife who’s a keyworker both can’t work until get a test getting a test at moment is impossible can you help please
Chris – This is being handled nationally.
When is this available
Hi Adam – the centre is open, but you will need an appointment to get tested. Current information about testing: If you are key workers working for organisations within Dorset’s Local Resilience Forum your employer will be in touch on how you can be tested. If you are an essential worker such as a driver or work in a supermarket you will need to go through the national booking system https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/ But you can only be tested in the first 3 days of showing symptoms of the virus.
How would you know if you no longer are infectious. I have been off work 3 weeks, having had many of thr symptoms. I am now building up my strength ready to go back to work for NHS 12 and half hour shifts. Do I need testing. Have I now got immunity. I will be working with patients positive to Covid-19
Hi Susan – your employer will be able to give you guidance on this. The national guidance can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
I am booked for a test but can’t find an address/postcode to put in to satnav
The creekmoor sit’s postcode is BH17 7AG
Hi there.
I’m a teacher in Dorset and would like a test before I go back in the next few weeks. Is it possible for me to have a test?
Austyn – visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-an-antigen-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/
I am struggling to get a test online, been trying for 2 days. Can I just turn up or do I need an appointment? Thanks
Sophie – this is all handled nationally and you do need an appointment.
Include a map location for the Centre.
any more East and the Dorset testing centre would have been in Hampshire.
How come the County Town (Dorchester) is not being used.
Hi Michael – this situation is continually changing so keep an eye on our website for up to date information. The current information about testing is: If you are key workers working for organisations within Dorset’s Local Resilience Forum your employer will be in touch on how you can be tested. If you are an essential worker such as a driver or work in a supermarket you will need to go through the national booking system https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/ But you can only be tested in the first 3 days of showing symptoms of the virus.
Can the family members of front line staff be tested ?
Family members of key workers who are in self isolation may be tested. If you are key workers working for organisations within Dorset’s Local Resilience Forum your employer will be in touch on how you can be tested. If you are an essential worker such as a driver or work in a supermarket you will need to go through the national booking system https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/ But you can only be tested in the first 3 days of showing symptoms of the virus.
You do know that Creekmoor is spelt wrong don’t you?
Not just on this page but also in the emails you’re send to everyone!
Thank you this has now been corrected
Hello
I’ve been referred and booked into Creekmore test centre for a test but I don’t know the area and can’t find a map – the booking gives no detail of the address either – is this the same place that is shown as the Christmas Park and Ride on google maps? I don’t want to be driving around lost!
Peter – it is the Christmas Park and ride postcode BH17 7XH
I am a private self employed Health and Care Profession registered domiciliary Podiatrist. With reference to to following advice regulatory advise to my profession:-
The College of Podiatry
Clinical Guidance during Covid-19
This guidance still applies following the PM’s announcement on 23rd March at 8.30pm and is relevant where ever you work including home visits.
As a result of COVID-19 the NHS system will be under significant strain. Podiatrists and Podiatric surgeons are key to the successful management of foot & lower limb pathology that will help avoid unnecessary visits to acute hospitals and in some cases admissions.
Supporting the management of high-risk foot patients, to help avoid complications such as ulceration and specifically infection is essential.
With this in mind, we would advise the following:
. Patients with high risk feet or urgent need can still be treated especially if they are at risk of breakdown or infection. This would also include those that are in a vulnerable category or are over 70. Please undertake a risk assessment on each patient. Document your clinical reasoning to treat or not to treat in the patient record.
Please advise, at what point will I, and my colleagues be able to visit the drive-through coronavirus testing facility is to open at Creekmore Park and Ride in Poole, to facilitate safe provision of palliative and preventative treatment for our vulnerable patients?
Hi Gillian – If you are key workers working for organisations within Dorset’s Local Resilience Forum your employer will be in touch on how you can be tested. If you are an essential worker such as a driver or work in a supermarket you will need to go through the national booking system https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/ But you can only be tested in the first 3 days of showing symptoms of the virus.
How do you make an appointment to have a test for COVID19? I work for the NHS via DorsetHealthcare University Foundation Trust, urgent care service.
Hi Susan – you are key worker so your employer will be in touch on how you can be tested. But you can only be tested in the first 3 days of showing symptoms of the virus.
how do we book the test??my husband and i are key workers and would like to book two slots please.
Hi Alison If you are key workers working for organisations within Dorset’s Local Resilience Forum your employer will be in touch on how you can be tested. If you are an essential worker such as a driver or work in a supermarket you will need to go through the national booking system https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/ But you can only be tested in the first 3 days of showing symptoms of the virus.
I work in social care for Tricuro in Bridport – and the journey to Poole would be an 80mile round trip and would take much time off frontline work.
The government really need to be opening up more local test centres.
Hi Stella – This situation is continually changing so keep an eye on our website for up to date information. As a key worker working for organisations within Dorset’s Local Resilience Forum your employer will be in touch on how you can be tested. But you can only be tested in the first 3 days of showing symptoms of the virus.
When you get your appointment confirmation there is no address / postcode given for the test centre
I cant find Creekmoor test address anywhere
Can someone send me the address please, I have a test booked for tomorrow
The location is Creekmoor Park and Ride BH17 7XH
Thanks Fiona
The location is Creekmoor Park and Ride BH17 7XH
Am I allowed to bring my husband? Not to be tested but so I don’t get lost.
Hi Mel – assuming he is part of your household.. it shouldn’t be a problem. more details here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested
Hello I am a private Domicillary care worker …..I look after several elderly clients .. I took the Covid test on Fri 1st March at Creekmoor ….it is now weds the 6th of May …I have not received the results ..is this the norm.
Hi Theresa – we don’t manage this process so you will have to go back to your test confirmation communication and make contact from there.
I was tested last Saturday- no results so what was the point. No way of chasing up and no one held accountable. If this is how all the regional centres operate, in addition to fact most workers doing the test doing them incorrectly- it’s just a huge waste of time and money? I’m expecting that if I make enough fuss I’ll be sent a negative result – to shut me up. It’s so frustrating- not like one can go and get another one done
I have waited over a week – I think they lose them ??♀️
Hello there
I retired as a Hampshire police officer two years ago and appreciate that I am no longer front line.
However, I had a particular nasty cold/flu during late January to February. I cannot say that this was Coronavirus but would like to be tested. Should it prove to be positive I would have no hesitation to volunteer for the anti body trials
Sadly they don’t have an antibodies test yet
I am a member of the teaching staff at my school, which has been operating throughout lockdown. I (like the footballers reported on the national news today) would too like to be routinely tested, before the phased return on June 1st. This would be reassurance that I was not at risk to the children and staff, or that I was Covid free at the time of return.
Hi, My son is a key worker in renewable energy. He is in the gulf of Mexico at the moment and will travel home soon. He will fly into Heathrow. Can he stop at Creekmore test centre on his way home to Blandford to be tested?
Hi Roger – visit https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test for details on how to book a test.
I require two negative PCR Covid 19 test to enter Hungary for dental treatment. The tests must be 48 hours apart and within 5 days of arrival in Hungary. Can I make appoints at the Poole Test Site to do this?
Martin
Martin – you will find details about testing and booking tests at https://www.gov.uk/testing-for-coronavirus
A friend of mine has been told she needs a covid test 48 hours before she goes into hospital but the hospital has not given her any written information as to were she should get this test she lives in the BH21 Area..
Hi Brian – if you visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus you will find all the information you need to get a test.