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18
Sept 2020
District MPs decline to comment on 'broken' covid testing system
The Harrogate district's MPs have declined to share their views on the performance of the government's Covid-19 testing system.
With infection rates rising across the district, there has been a rise in demand for testing. However, the Stray Ferret has been contacted by several residents this week who are concerned about the availability of testing.
Harrogate mum Madeline Smyth told us that the system is broken is "broken'" after spending two days trying to secure a test for her daughter. She finally secured an appointment - but it was in Burnley, a two-hour round trip from Harrogate.
The Stray Ferret asked our local MPs Andrew Jones, Julian Smith, and Nigel Adams - all Conservatives - if they think the system is working well and whether it could be improved. We also asked if they have been in discussions about it with health ministers or the NHS. None of them responded to our request.
Read more:
- Harrogate District Hospital to increase covid tests for staff
- Harrogate Grammar School confirms covid case
On Wednesday, North Yorkshire County Council declared a covid "emergency" for North Yorkshire and raised concerns over testing in the county.
Dr Lincoln Sargeant, director of public health for NYCC, said testing was being hampered by “significant limitations” with laboratory capacity.
He said:
In Parliament today, Conservative MP and Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg said there has been "endless carping" from people unable to book coronavirus tests. Instead, he said the number of tests being carried out should be celebrated.
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