Lateral flow test: Pharmacy confusion caused by test shortages
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While covid testing rules are set to be eased for people without symptoms, those requiring a kit are having trouble accessing them. Previously, members of the public were able to pick up a test kit at a specific stand on their highstreet, or order one online and get it delivered direct to their house. In recent weeks, however, pharmacies have been stocking them. But now it seems there are supply issues.
Up and down the country, people are trying to get a lateral flow test, but it’s proving difficult as there is a shortage.
When ordering a lateral test online for collection in a pharmacy, people are told: “Use your collect code to pick up your test packs.
“Show your collect code at a collection point to pick up your test packs.”
However, many are finding there are no tests ready to be picked up.
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Stuart Wilks-Heeg spoke about the trouble he had trying to get a test: “I have actually managed to obtain some lateral flow tests after trying and failing online and then visiting a mere 5 pharmacies. Feeling so lucky, I reckon I’ll find one of Willy Wonka’s golden tickets and tomorrow’s lottery numbers in the box too.”
Iain Chapman added: “Dear @BorisJohnson. I have been trying for 4 days to get a lateral flow test up in the Yorkshire Dales. This pic is just one of 8 pharmacies we have tried in a 20 mile radius.
“I went on line to order one & 48 hours later still waiting for my password reset email! #shambles.”
Lou F said: “@sajidjavid since Xmas I have tried to order lateral flow tests online & in the 3 pharmacies in my area. None available.
“I go to a cancer hospital twice a wk for treatment & need an LFT before I go. How am I suppose to do this when I can’t get hold of them!??? SORT IT OUT!”
Pharmacists have also spoken out about the issues they’re experiencing with lateral flow tests.
Amanda Smith said: “We have had a few people coming in with a code expecting there to be a box of tests set aside for them. Why is the ordering system giving this impression to people when there is no link from the ordering system to the pharmacy?”
Sharon, another pharmacist tweeted: “We’ve resorted to taking names and numbers for lateral flows and contacting when they arrive to try to deflect some of the frustration, as if we weren’t busy enough #pharmacy #lateralflow.”
One pharmacy manager explained his pharmacy hadn’t recieved any stock for weeks.
Darren Wales, manager of Central Pharmacy in Suffolk said: “The supply for lateral flow tests has been sporadic and we haven’t received any since Christmas Eve.
“We have been actively trying to order more in every single day but there are still supply issues.
“A lot of people turn up expecting tests and we have to turn them away, they just say they won’t bother with testing then.
“We are hoping that supply levels return to normal soon but demand for tests is still increasing,” he told Lowestoft Journal.
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