Urgent Covid warning from Leeds General Infirmary and St James's Hospital as A&E departments 'extremely busy'

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has issued an urgent warning as its A&E departments face huge demand on Tuesday night.
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The trust said the A&E departments at Leeds General Infirmary and St James's Hospital are currently "extremely busy".

It has urged people not to visit A&E for the primary purpose of getting a Covid-19 test and reminded patients that the department is not a community testing centre.

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In a Facebook post, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust warned: "Our A&E departments at LGI and St James’s Hospital are extremely busy - if you are not seriously ill, A&E may not be the best place for you to get the treatment you need and you may wait for a long time.

Do NOT visit A&E for a coronavirus test, warns Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustDo NOT visit A&E for a coronavirus test, warns Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Do NOT visit A&E for a coronavirus test, warns Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

"If in doubt about the NHS service you need, please call NHS 111.You can also find additional help and advice online.

"Please do not come to our A&E departments for the primary purpose of getting a Covid-19 test.

"Our A&E staff only test people who are seriously ill or injured and who need to be admitted to hospital as an emergency - the department is not a community testing centre.

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"More information about services such as emergency dentists, pharmacies and walk in centres in Leeds is available here: https://www.leedsccg.nhs.uk/health/services"

Yorkshire Ambulance Service has echoed the warning in a social media post.

A spokesperson said: "Our amazing staff will always be here for you, but please consider other NHS options if you do not need life-saving help.

"Consider: Self care, pharmacy, GP, NHS 111 or making your own way to A&E, walk-in centre, minor injuries unit or urgent care centre."

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Where to get coronavirus testing in Leeds, how to book and everything else you need to know

Anyone who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild, can get tested. Do NOT visit hospital for a test.

The symptoms to look out for are:

- a high temperature

- a new, continuous cough

- a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell

If you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, you may be advised by NHS Track & Trace to get tested, even if you are not displaying symptoms.

When should I take a test?

You need to take the test within the first five days of developing symptoms for it to be effective.

Can I order a test to my home?

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On days 1 to 4 of your symptoms, you can get tested at home. If you're ordering a home test kit on day 4, do it by 3pm.

The test involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud.

You can do the swab yourself (if you are aged 12 or over) or someone can do it for you.

Parents or guardians have to swab test children aged 11 or under.

You can order a home test here.

What if I want to take the test in Leeds today?

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If you wish to take a coronavirus test today, you will need to book an appointment at a Leeds test site.

On day five of your symptoms, you need to go to a test site. It's too late to order a home test kit.

There is a permanent drive-through coronavirus testing site at the Temple Green Park and Ride site in Leeds.

The Temple Green centre features up to five drive-through lanes, which are currently open from 10am to 5pm, but are on an appointment-only basis.

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A mobile unit also travels Leeds so that you can be tested close to your home. When booking online, you will be shown the nearest test centre to your home.

Book an appointment here.

I don't have a car but I want to take a test today, can I go to a test centre?

There are now two walk-through test centres in Leeds, but you must book an appointment.

It's for people living or working within walking distance of Bridge Street Community Centre, Rider Street, LS9 7BQ.

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Or Gryphon Sports Centre, University of Leeds campus, Woodsley Road, LS2 9LZ.

The locations have been chosen to make it easier for people without cars to get tested for Covid-19.

Book an appointment here.

If you can't walk to a centre and don't have access to a car, you will need to book a home test.

When will I receive my results?

Most people get their test results the day after taking the test.

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Some results might take longer, but you should get them in 72 hours.

The result came back negative - what should I do?

NHS guidance says you do not need to self-isolate if your test is negative, as long as:

- everyone you live with who has symptoms tests negative

- everyone in your support bubble who has symptoms tests negative

- you were not told to self-isolate for 14 days by NHS Test and Trace

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- you feel well: if you feel unwell, stay at home until you’re feeling better

The result came back positive - what should I do?

If your test is positive, you must self-isolate:

If you had a test because you had symptoms, keep self-isolating for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started.

If you had a test but have not had symptoms, self-isolate for 10 days from when you had the test.