Posted: 18 September 2020

Buckinghamshire residents reminded to not attend hospital for COVID-19 tests

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust is reminding local residents to not come to the Emergency Department (A&E) at Stoke Mandeville Hospital to request a COVID-19 test.

Instead, people should book a test at a local designated testing centre or order a home testing kit by calling 119 or by visiting the NHS COVID-19 testing website.

Dr Abhishek Banerji, Clinical Lead, Emergency Department, said: “It’s really important that people understand that they must not come to the Emergency Department for a COVID-19 test.

Not only will you not be able to get one, but if you do have COVID-19 then you increase the risk of transmission to more vulnerable people.

If you do have symptoms of COVID-19, you should self-isolate and book a test by either calling 119 or visit the NHS testing website.  You should only request a test if you have symptoms of COVID-19. If you are unwell then you should contact 111.

Stay home, stay safe, and save an unnecessary journey to our Emergency Department.”