Key worker sent to wrong address for testing after NHS error

People with pre-booked coronavirus tests were at a loss after turning up at an empty car park on an industrial site.

The NHS has apologised after an error sent people with coronavirus test appointments to the wrong location.

A temporary mobile testing site was set up in Corby, Northamptonshire to test key workers with suspected symptoms along with other eligible groups.

The site is at Corby Town Football Club, but a warehouse on an industrial estate across town was listed on the national bookings website instead.

Social media users complained of turning up to the address for RS Components on Friday and finding no test site.

One Twitter user said: ‘My sister is a care home worker with Covid-19 symptoms. She booked a test online & drove to the test centre to find a dozen other people all with confirmed tests but no test centre’.

A spokesperson NHS Northamptonshire CCG said: ‘We apologise for any inconvenience or confusion this has caused.

‘As soon as we were notified of the error we immediately sent personnel to RS Components to redirect residents to the correct site at Corby Town FC.

‘Those who were booked in [on Friday 8th May] who were not redirected can still access a test by attending the Corby Town FC site on either Saturday 9th May or Sunday 10th May between 11am-3pm by presenting their existing booking information.

The mobile site in Corby is only open for pre-booked tests, the NHS added.

Those eligible for testing include anyone showing symptoms who is an essential worker, over 65 or cannot work.

Those with symptoms can also apply if they live with someone in one of those categories.

The mobile site in Corby is only open for pre-booked tests, although there are multiple options for accessing tests.

Tests can be taken at home or at a drive-through testing site, with more information on the government website.

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