Forum Topic

PCR test at Stamford Brook car park

Just had a text from the NHS asking us to go and have a PCR test, as we are residents within Hounslow.We duly did our civic duty only to find the car park was closed, we weren’t told that on finding out where we had to go. People were waiting in the hot sunshine, for over an hour! Why oh why can’t a drive in drive out area be used for people that need to drive?  I suggest Brentford Football Ground!

Janet Mary Sears-Lamb ● 1978d25 Comments

We went last night, it was painfully slow. Others behind us in the queue gave up and left.

Alison Gascoigne ● 1978d

I hear that if you catch a train to Hounslow House you will be attended to immediately. Tube stop is Hounslow Central. Not much good when living in Chiswick. The point here is it's up and running efficiently in Hounslow, but far from it in Stamford Brook Carpark.

Chris Vessey ● 1978d

Just walked away after 2.5 hours queuing in the road.  When invited through the barrier to the car park I anticipated a quick turn around but no, ahead of us were the very people who had passed through an hour before trying to fill in information forms or could not connect their phone to the NHS app.We asked how long that queue would take and was told at least an hour.  What an incompetent shambles.  3 testing points all of which had to be sanitised after each test.  No mention on the mobile phone invitation of the information you needed to take with you.We were then invited to go to Acton 1+ miles away - no parking or to Hounslow some 5+ miles away where parking available.  I felt furious at having needlessly wasted precious time on a busy afternoon  with the added prospect of a long drive to Wiltshire for appointments tomorrow.If Hounslow want our cooperation they had better step up to proper and efficient operating practices.  This is a missed opportunity with many people turning away.What made matters worse was that the staff had no ‘home’ kits to distribute because they had not arrived.

Elizabeth Ross ● 1978d

You can order up to three PCR test online to be deliver to your home address the next day.The form is a bit long winded and you need your NHS number and the date of your last vaccination if you’ve had one or two.You have to return your test within 48 hours plus you have to tick your council asked you to take a test without any COVID symptoms

Bernard Allen ● 1978d

Bernard, My wife went to Hounslow House. The only information they asked for were name, date of birth, phone number and/or email address. She was attended to immediately, no waiting. Turn around was 10 minutes and came back home with Home Testing kits times 2. Clearly Stamford Brook simply not up and running yet, will it ever be ? I went to Stamford Brook twice today but quickly left, I was bicycling in the lovely sunshine, warm sunshine !!!

Chris Vessey ● 1978d

The whole thing is shambolic.  My understanding is that the test centre at that location was always meant to be for those "on foot" and so you should have been advised of this on booking.  I live very close by and am pretty certain the centre is barely used.  It now has an influx of people, as you say, fulfilling their civic duty only to be met by an inability to cope.  It was also my understanding that the car park was only to be used for three months commencing at the end of January.  It des seem that if it can't cope with the very people it is meant to be helping then there is little point in it remaining there.

Caroline Webb ● 1978d

I went just now, was informed of one hour’s wait so picked up the proffered PCR tests to do myself at home and post in the nearest post box.  No more hassle than doing the rapid tests.

Lucy Chambers ● 1978d

Thank you all for you posts, I was about to make my way there but will now continue with my RLF tests which I have at home

Eve Fay ● 1978d

The delay at this centre is regrettable. Ive told our public health colleagues who told me,This is a national team operated site, not one that Hounslow council operates, that said no one should have had to wait for that length of time for a test.We have escalated this with Brent who lead on this on behalf the national team.We will have additional marshalls at the centre tomorrow.John

John Todd ● 1978d

Is this a PCR test or Lateral flow? They have different levels of accuracy

Tim English ● 1977d

TimI'm advised PCR is the test required. I'm not qualified to comment furtherJohn

John Todd ● 1977d

I went on foot this morning at about 10.30. Advised wait would be about an hour and that 10 people were inside - the maximum allowed and I would have to wait outside the car park. Others arrived and discussed with the gate keeper waiting times, better times to attend (none), other possible venues. One new arrival was offered a PCR kit to self administer at home. I asked if I could have one - yes - I departed with my test to do at home. There didn't seem to be many kits in his box and they weren't advertised or offered as a matter of course so I'm not sure you could depend on getting one.

Les Fletcher ● 1977d

I agree with Bernard Allen. Far better to order online. The form makes you jump through a few hoops, but I ordered yesterday and the tests will arrive today.

Brendan McCarthy ● 1977d

Free online PCR testes are only available if you have symptoms or are a key worker. Otherwise you should test using Lateral Flow according to the nhs website

Tim English ● 1977d

Hounslow and Ealing residents are being asked to take a PCR test even without symptoms as these boroughs are surge testing as they are trying to find the prevalence of the Indian variant locally. Info available on Borough websites and email notification if you've subscribed.

Tessa Russell ● 1977d

They are available if you don't have symptoms as well as I have them from the government,Its because you have been asked by your local authority to take a test

Bernard Allen ● 1977d

Bernard - do you mean you have PCR tests (as distinct from lateral flow tests) that you can take at home?Would you mind sharing the web link for these as I haven't been able to source them.  Thanks!

Phil Kay ● 1977d

PhillI ordered two PCR tests and have them at home now, although I picked the wrong time as they advise not to post off the test on a holiday weekend.https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-testthis section is a bit further down the page.Get a free PCR test to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) Getting a PCR test if you have no symptomsYou can also use this service if:    • you’ve been in contact with someone who’s tested positive   • you’ve been asked to get a test by a local council or someone from NHS Test and Trace,  • a GP or other health professional has asked you to get a test     • you’re taking part in a government pilot project     • you’ve been asked to get a test to confirm a positive result     • you’ve received an unclear result and were told to get a second test     • you need to get a test for someone you live with who has symptoms     • you’re in the National Tactical Response Group

Bernard Allen ● 1977d

Thanks Bernard - that's exactly what I was looking for!

Phil Kay ● 1977d

TimTessa is correct. LBH wants PCR testingStamford Brook centre had 300 take away PCR kits yesterday

John Todd ● 1976d

Went first thing. Predicted waiting time with only five people ahead of me was 30 to forty minutes so took a takeaway.

Adrian Irving ● 1976d

I went yesterday at about 10.45 and waited about half an hour. It was all very straightforward. An assistant helped me fill in the app on my phone. You then administer the test yourself with guidance from another assistant. They gave me two packs of Lateral Flow tests to take away with me.

Susan Jennifer Thackray ● 1976d

I went to Stamford bridge  at 12.30 this afternoon- went by bus as advised by a good neighbour of mine - only 2 people waiting - given 2 boxes of the lateral flow as that was what I needed to use at home - free and no waiting- a very good experience- I did not need the other test as I have not been around anyone.

Helen Bamberger ● 1976d

Here's a link to the LBH website. Their request is for PCR tests- no other.https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/info/20210/coronavirus/2323/surge_testing_and_vaccinations_in_hounslow

John Todd ● 1976d

Having just read the instructions for the Home Test it tells you not to do the test over a Bank Holiday, so wait until Tuesday.This is to ensure no delay in postal priority delivery.

Adrian Irving ● 1976d