News from our partners: Coronavirus – Drive-through Assessment Centre set up at Shrewsbury Town FC

News from our partners NHS Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), and Telford CCG

A drive-through assessment centre is being set up at Shrewsbury Town Football Club for patients with coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms.

The assessment centre is strictly appointment-only, for patients who have been directed there by their GP practice.

Patients who think they are showing symptoms of coronavirus, if needing further help, should contact NHS 111 online in the first instance.

The drive-through assessment centre will provide face-to-face assessments for suspected coronavirus patients, and has been designed and implemented by the NHS CCGs.

The centre is based in the football stadium car park (off Oteley Road) and will be operating Monday to Friday, including Bank Holidays, between 8am and 7pm.

Tests for coronavirus will not take place at the site, but people who are suspected of having the virus, who are feeling very unwell and require medical attention will be assessed by a team of healthcare professionals from their vehicles or in temporary clinical rooms, as appropriate.

Further assessment centres will be rolled-out across the county, with the next site being planned in Telford.

Julian Povey, Chair of NHS Shropshire CCG, said:

“The purpose of these new centres is to assess people with coronavirus symptoms, relieve pressure on local GP practices and hospitals, and to effectively manage the growth of cases in the community.

“It is extremely important at this time to shield our practices, where possible, from patients with suspected coronavirus, as this protects both our staff and patients who do not have the disease, particularly those in higher risk groups.

“Staff members at the CCGs and local GP practices have been working hard to create these centres within a week, which are effectively temporary GP practices.

“The assessment centres are not testing facilities or walk-in services for patients with symptoms of coronavirus, and no patient will be able to report directly to these centres without being referred by their GP.”

Brian Caldwell, Chief Executive of Shrewsbury Town FC, said:

“The club is delighted to assist local NHS staff with the use of our stadium car park.

“It goes without saying that we are happy to do all we can to support the NHS at this very difficult time, so it’s great that we can play a small part.”