Parsons Green Health Centre Provides 'Drive Through' Coronavirus Testing
People referred to clinic after calling 111 will have throats and noses swabbed in car park
Picture: Julia Gregory
Parsons Green Health Centre is providing a 'drive through' test for people concerned they may have coronavirus.
People who think they may have the virus are asked not to visit a GP or hospital, but instead self-isolate and call 111.
The NHS 111 call centre will pass relevant local callers to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital staff, who will assess their needs by phone.
If staff decide a test is required, they will be referred to Parsons Green Health Centre, on the east side of Fulham's Parsons Green.
Medical staff will have been given the patients' car registration details, along with other information such as their names, addresses, dates of birth and NHS numbers.
Staff will not be able to swab anyone else in the car unless they have also been referred.
Patients will be directed to the car park at the back of the health centre where staff will take a swab from the back of their throats and noses.
They are warned: "This can sometimes cause you to cough or gag".
They will have to stay in their car at all times before leaving the car park.
Test results will be ready within 72 hours and will be given over the phone by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital staff.
For the latest advice and information on coronavirus, including advice for travellers is also available at NHS 111 Online and at the Government's Coronavirus Information and Advice.
There is also a
dedicated London Response Centre on 0300 303 0450 for help with general inquiries.
The NHS says like the common cold, coronavirus usually occurs through close contact via coughs and sneezes or hand contact. A person can also be infected by touching contaminated surfaces if they do not wash their hands, so people are advised to maintain scrupulous hand hygiene.
Written with contributions by Julia Gregory - Local Democracy Reporter
March 1, 2020