Bognor Regis hospital hosts drive-through coronavirus testing centre – this is how it works

The Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital is the site of one of several drive-through coronavirus testing centres that have sprung up around Sussex.
The Bognor Regis War Memorial HospitalThe Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital
The Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital

The centre was opened at the hospital in Shripney Road, Bognor Regis, on Wednesday, April 15.

It is currently available for NHS staff and other key workers, including care home staff, social workers, police and fire fighters in Sussex, who are experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms.

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The test allows key workers to find out whether they or members of their household currently have coronavirus.

It is not an antibody test to identify if someone has had or is immune to the virus.

A spokesman for the Sussex Community Foundation NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, said: “Tests are only available in the first few days after symptoms begin because that is when they are most accurate.

“Test are only available with a pre-booked appointment.

“NHS staff and key worker staff should be aware of their own organisation’s procedure for booking a test if they are showing symptoms of coronavirus but are advised to check with their HR departments if they are unsure.”

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Anyone who receives a positive test result cannot return to work and will need to continue self-isolating – here is the NHS guidance on what to do.

If the test is negative, they can return to work as long as they are well enough, have not had a high temperature for 48 hours and that other members of their household have also tested negative and are not symptomatic.

The spokesman said the facility at the hospital had been made possible thanks to the ‘incredible work’ of teams across Sussex Community Foundation NHS Trust and the team at Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital.

Other drive-through testing centres in Sussex include the Summer Special Car Park at Gatwick Airport and the Wainwright Car Park in Bexhill.

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The Amex Stadium in Brighton has converted into the south coast’s largest drive-in coronavirus testing centre – read more about it here.

People must live within a 45 minute drive of their nearest testing site in order to be able to attend.

For those who cannot visit a drive-through site, a home testing kit can be requested.

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