The testing service is being provided on an appointment-only basis and only those who are referred by their GP will be seen. Where a test is requested, the person should be
self-isolating at home until they are called for their test. It is advised that any person
who is symptomatic or waiting for an appointment for a test, or waiting for a test result,
they should assume they are positive and ensure they take all the necessary precautions
regarding care and self isolation. Full details on www.hse.ie
The current position in the Mid West is:
Limerick:
Child & Family Centre Limerick – 3 Swabbing Stations operational 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 7 days per week
St. Gabriel’s School – 1 Swabbing Station operating 2p.m. – 8 p.m. 7 days per week
North Tipperary:
Derg Centre Nenagh – 2 Drive Thru Swabbing Stations operational 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 7 days per week
Clare:
Ennis Driving Test Centre – 2 Swabbing Stations operational 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 7 days per week
It is planned that there will be an expansion in the number of testing locations in the coming days.
These will include:
Limerick
Swabbing Station (Drive Thru) in Gaelic Grounds from Wednesday afternoon 25 th March 2020
St Gabriel’s -extra swabbing stations to commence on Friday will operate 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 7 days per
week.
North Tipperary:
Open additional Drive Thru Swabbing Station in Derg Centre Nenagh on Wednesday 25th March
2020.
Waiting List:
In the Mid West there is currently a waiting list of over 8,000 , testing has significantly increased in
the past number of days and with more test centres opening we hope to be in a position to reduce
the backlog considerably within a 10 day period. Once the swabbing test is completed people can
expect to wait up to seven days for their test result. The advice is the patient should self isolate
during this period.
We also would like to advise people who are symptomatic to self-isolate, whether they have been
tested or not. We have seen a significant increase in demand for testing for COVID 19, and we regret
that a large number of people are awaiting testing and receipt of results.
Getting a test for coronavirus
Phone your GP. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. The GP will assess you over the
phone.
If the assessment indicates you require a test, this will be arranged for you.
Make sure your GP has your correct mobile or contact number . This is so that you can be contacted
to have your test arranged.
If you require medical assistance out of hours please contact the G.P Out of Hours Service. Please
note they cannot arrange a test for you.
HSE Live (1850 24 1850) cannot order coronavirus tests. It is an information line only
Swabbing test pathway explained:
GPs make electronic referrals for Covid-19 testing for patients about whom they have a concern
using the Healthlink system. Community Healthcare staff utilise an integrated electronic
appointment system (Swift Queue) which provides people referred for testing with confirmation of
their appointment. This will be arranged over the phone with the person requiring testing and they
will be given all necessary appointment details for their tes (time. Date, location etc)t. The electronic
appointment system went live on the afternoon of Monday March 16th and it has supported
arrangements for thousands of people to get tested.
If people experience a deterioration in their condition they are advised to contact their GP for
medical advice.
Information and guidance in relation to Covid-19 is available on the HSE website. www.hse.ie
Notes for those people who are attending Drive Thru centres:
At no stage will people who attend for testing be allowed to leave their car. When checked in
at the entrance, the person will be provided with a face mask, tissues and disposable bag and
directed to a test bay. They will then be attended to by Healthcare workers who will be
wearing PPE’s. At this point, people will be asked to blow their nose and dispose of the tissue
in the bag provided. A throat and nose swab will then be taken and the person will leave the
facility, return home and self-isolate. Results will be issued directly to the person at a later
date. HSE Mid West Community Healthcare is appealing for the privacy of those staffing
and visiting the centres to be respected.
Mid West Helpline:
The HSE Mid West Helpline 1890 300046 was originally set up to deal with close or casual
contacts of confirmed Covid-19 cases across the Mid West.
It is anticipated this Mid West service will scale down in the next seven days as the number
of test centres increase.
The public are advised the HSE Live line will take on general queries and the number is 1850
24 1850, this is Monday to Friday 8am-8pm.
