Request for GP Letter from COVID testing sites

The LMC have received queries from practices stating that patients were contacting them to ask for a letter from their GP to take to a Covid testing site.   Patients were stating that they had been advised if they could provide a letter from their GP then they could return for a test.   

Dr Richard Mendelsohn took this up on our behalf and we have now received confirmation from Dr Justin Varney Director of Public Health Birmingham who has stated the following:

There is no request for GP’s to produce a letter for a test. The national guidelines are clear that patients must book through 119 and the NHS/Gov website – there is no route through primary care.

If you are approached then please advise your patients accordingly.