Primary Care Wirral has taken operational control of the Bidston Station park and ride Covid-19 testing centre as part of a wider action plan focused on increasing testing in Wirral.
Working in partnership with Wirral Council and Wirral CCG, PCW has been commissioned to assist with the delivery of testing in the area.
The site will operate seven days a week as a drive thru only facility based in the car park of the train station, and patients will be assisted and directed in how to take their own samples.
Appointments will be available every day between 10am and 12pm AND 1pm and 3.30pm, however, ALL APPOINTMENTS must be booked online via the Wirral Council’s Covid-19 Testing page.
Prioritising symptomatic patients and Primary Care staff
Appointments at the Bidston Park and Ride Covid-19 testing centre will be prioritised for symptomatic key workers and symptomatic individuals, followed by asymptomatic Health and Social Care workers.
In addition, PCW and GPW-Fed will facilitate 100 additional Covid-19 tests per week for symptomatic Primary Care workers, with the aim of supporting staff back into work as safely and early as possible.
Symptomatic practice staff whose surgeries are Primary Care Wirral Federation members can arrange their tests by calling 0749 668 1331.
Rise in Covid-19 cases in Wirral
The decision to increase testing in Wirral follows a worrying rise in coronavirus cases and confirmation that some of the hardest hit neighbourhoods in Merseyside are located in the Wirral peninsula.
Increased testing across the five local Covid-19 swabbing clinics is expected to reduce the impact of the illness, alongside additional lockdown measures across the North West region, particularly in relation to personal hygiene, mask wearing, social distancing, Covid-safe spaces and the ´Rule of Six’ guidelines.
Quick response to Covid-19 developments
PCW has already been heavily involved in large scale Covid-19 related testing programmes in 2020, with our Additional Capacity Hubs (ACHs) providing vital antibody testing for local social care staff.
“Coronavirus has forced a major rethink for health care services in Wirral,” said Mark Fraser PCW Medical Director.
“Improved access to testing is a critical aspect in the strategic response to the Pandemic
“We have gained experience in organising testing via the outdoor Covid-19 Additional Capacity Hubs.
“The continuation of the testing centre at Bidston will provide Wirral will provide with increased capacity for testing, enabling us to keep healthcare workers and local residents safe and functional during this difficult time.
“The Covid-19 swabbing service at Bidston is a vital part of the system’s Pandemic response and will assist our efforts to break chains of infection within health care staff and the local community”.
Covid-19 Testing in Wirral
Covid-19 testing in Wirral have to be booked online before attending via www.wirral.gov/test, and is currently available at:
Hamilton Building car park – 8am-8pm, 7 days a week, limited number of walk-in spaces available.
Car park off Civic Way, near Civic Centre and Police Station – 8am-8pm, 7 days a week, limited number of walk-in spaces available.
Car park off Seaview Road, near Liscard Community Facility Road – 8am-8pm, 7 days a week, limited number of walk-in spaces available.
Bidston Station park and ride –10am-12pm AND 1pm- 3.30pm, 7 days a week, drive-through only, online booking needed.
Europa Leisure Centre, Birkenhead – 10am-3.30pm, Tuesday 22/09 to Saturday 26/09, online booking needed.
