Illawarra-Shoalhaven residents are still facing long delays for COVID-19 PCR tests and results - made worse by the closure of seven testing locations for two days last week.
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Southern IML Pathology announced late last week it was closing its testing clinics on Friday, January 7, and Saturday, January 8, at Albion Park, Berkeley, Fairy Meadow, Shellharbour, Warilla, and two locations in Wollongong in order to improve turn-around-times for COVID-19 test results.
The clinics were scheduled to reopen on Sunday, January 9.
Ross Kennedy, of Woonona East, said his daughter used a rapid antigen test on one of her six-year-old triplets on Saturday morning after he developed symptoms.
Early the next day, the family of two adults and four children went to the Histopath testing clinic at Towradgi. While they got their results the next day, showing three of the four children were positive, the family is still awaiting results of a COVID test conducted at Southern IML Pathology in Denison Street, Wollongong, on Sunday, January 2.
"Who is responsible and accountable for ensuring the Illawarra has adequate medical facilities, including effective and efficient COVID testing capability, both PCR and RAT?" Mr Kennedy said.
The Mercury today asked ISLHD a series of questions today regarding demand on the system for tests and results, and if there has been any further delays as a result of last week's testing clinic closures.
The Mercury also asked about the the current waiting times for PCR test results from swabs carried out at the NSW Health run labs in the area, as well as localised testing numbers.
An Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) spokeswoman said a full list of COVID testing locations can be found on its website.
She said the local health district runs the clinics located at Wollongong, Shoalhaven and Milton Ulladulla hospitals, while the rest are operated by private providers.
"Large volumes of COVID-19 PCR tests are currently being processed and the demand is high right across NSW," she said.
"Most people receive their results within 72 hours, but we're advising the community to allow up to 4-5 days before contacting the clinic.
"The NSW Health fact sheet on getting tested for COVID has also been updated with more advice about the use of rapid antigen testing."
She said the health district provided a weekly update each Monday on the previous week's testing rates.
"There were more than 45,600 COVID-19 PCR tests carried out in the Illawarra Shoalhaven for the week ending Sunday, January 9, 2022," she said.
"Testing capacity in NSW is currently under enormous pressure.
"We remind the community that the only people getting a PCR (nose and throat swab) should be those who have COVID-19 symptoms; live in a household with a confirmed COVID-19-positive case; or have otherwise been advised by NSW Health to get tested."
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Merryn Porter
Journalist with more than 25 years' experience in print and digital media who has covered most news rounds, including health, education, politics (local, state and federal), police and courts, with a special interest in women's and family matters. Highly-skilled interviewer and storyteller.
Journalist with more than 25 years' experience in print and digital media who has covered most news rounds, including health, education, politics (local, state and federal), police and courts, with a special interest in women's and family matters. Highly-skilled interviewer and storyteller.
