Chesterfield Covid-19 testing centre which left dozens unable to book a test now "back on track"

The Labour parliamentary representative said he had been ‘inundated’ with complaints from local people who had been concerned that there were unable to book a test or were facing long wait periods for their test results.

A lack of laboratory testing capacity was blamed for the testing delays and difficulties at the Spireites’ home ground, when Mr Perkins raised the issue in Parliament and with local health bosses.

The Chesterfield MP has now reassured constituents that the testing site is ‘back on track’ and able to provide a test for anyone who needs one.

In a statement yesterday, Mr Perkins said: “I met with a senior officer from the Derby & Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group again today and was pleased to hear that, following pressure on the Government from myself and other Labour MPs, additional testing laboratories were procured and the Chesterfield testing site is now back on track and able to provide tests to everyone who requires one.

“I have had no complaints from constituents for over ten days now and I am optimistic that these problems are resolved, at least for the time being.”

The Labour MP warned how a potential lockdown for the North of England would do ‘further damage’ to businesses in Derbyshire that are already struggling, as there are possible plans to close restaurants and pubs from Monday.

“As rates of the virus are on the rise across the country, an effective testing system is vital in controlling the spread of COVID and hopefully avoiding a further lockdown, which would do further damage to pubs, shops and other businesses that are already struggling.

“I will continue to keep a close watch on the testing capacity in Chesterfield, but it is vital that the Government’s testing and tracing system is working correctly.

"The shambles we have seen with data being lost due to the Government storing the information on Excel, cannot be repeated.

"The people of Chesterfield have done everything asked of them, the local health services are doing all they can, and we cannot allow Government incompetence to damage all that good work and sacrifice.”

80% of people with coronavirus in the UK display no symptoms

Nearly 20 new Covid-19 cases in Chesterfield neighbourhoods last week

Tighter restrictions are expected for parts of England next week - the plans explained

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a print subscription. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Please subscribe here so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.