From Friday 13 March, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board will have a Coronavirus Testing Unit (CTU) in the Bridgend area.

Dr Kelechi Nnoaham, Director of Public Health for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said:

“The CTU has been established as part of our Health Board’s response to COVID-19. Detailed planning work is ongoing across all areas that are likely to be affected.

The Unit will allow patients to be tested for COVID-19 by staff wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Patients will be screened in their vehicles by a trained member of staff.

“The CTU is not a walk-in unit. Only patients who have been given appointments by Public Health Wales following clinical assessment via 111 can access the unit. Home testing will continue to be offered to those patients who cannot access the CTU.

“The risk of infection from the testing unit is extremely low.

“Like all parts of the NHS Wales system, our Health Board staff are working incredibly hard in this very fast-changing situation, with so many other continuing pressures. As a Health Board we have a detailed plan in place for responding to the virus effectively and appropriately. This includes putting in place robust infection control measures and working with our local, regional and national partners to implement an integrated planned response.

“We remain extremely grateful to our staff for all their hard work in supporting our robust preparations for coronavirus and to our community for their support at this time.”

Please refer to the latest Public Health Wales guidelines if you are worried about symptoms. There is an online NHS Direct symptom checker at www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk or dial 111. https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/