In a bid to prevent further spread of the coronavirus, BCP Council have begun work on creating a test site in Creekmoor for NHS staff and key workers.
After a short search for an appropriate location, BCP Council agreed upon their own park and ride venue in Creekmoor, Poole. The test site is due to open for testing on Monday 27 April 2020 and will be one of a network of such sites across the country, operated by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Council Leader Vikki Slade said: “We have moved extremely quickly to identify a suitable site and complete all necessary arrangements and site clearance required to make it available to the Department of Health and Social Care, so that they can begin testing our local NHS and key workers as soon as possible. This means that Dorset’s key workers will have much more convenient access to testing, which is very welcome indeed.”
Ward Councillor, Judy Butt praised the move, adding: “I am honoured to see the park and ride site being used for something to critical in the fight against COVID19, and to support our key workers and NHS Staff. It makes me incredibly proud that the community of Creekmoor can be at the forefront of actions to combat the spread of coronavirus. I have been reassured that all the necessary safety measures have been put in place to ensure that there are are no additional risks to my local ward residents.”
The sites will be used only for testing NHS staff and key workers displaying potential symptoms of coronavirus, and the council have asked members of the public not to visit the facility. Those eligible for testing must book appointments and should approach their employers for details on how to do this.