Transport workers tested for coronavirus at site of Black Country super hospital
Bus drivers and train conductors have begun to be tested for coronavirus at the site of a new super hospital in the Black Country as part of Government efforts to ramp-up testing.
The testing site has launched on the site of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, which is being built in Smethwick.
It will be primarily be used to test NHS staff, but ministers also want more key workers to undergo testing for Covid-19.
Frontline transport workers who fear they have Covid-19 or have come into contact with someone who has it will be offered tests.
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The Government is under huge pressure to increase testing amid doubts it will be unable to meet its own target of 100,000 tests a day, set by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, by the end of the month. Many experts believe mass testing is key to ending the lockdown, which is now in its fifth week.
Supermarket staff are among those expected to be offered tests over the coming days.
The tests will be carried out following a deal between Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), led by Mayor Andy Street and the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, and was formally announced after being revealed by the Express & Star.
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “Key workers across the West Midlands are risking their lives day after day to protect us, and we need to do everything we can to keep them safe.
“I am pleased that following on from TfWM offering PPE to all frontline staff, we are now able to offer testing to key transport workers to allow them to continue to keep our transport network moving for essential journeys only.
“I hope this gives reassurance to both transport staff and the key workers still relying on public transport to get to and from work. I want to personally thank Toby and his team at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust for helping to make this happen.”
Trust chief executive Toby Lewis said: “Transport workers provide vital public services, supporting key workers getting to and from work, which is why I’m delighted that the new regional testing centre, on the grounds of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital site, is providing this essential testing.
“The drive-thru facility is also providing tests for social care, community healthcare and mental health colleagues, a critical part of our fight against Covid-19.”
