Coronavirus assessment centre has launched in Leighton Buzzard

The centre, which launched on Monday, will run as a local specialist base for people who have or are likely to have the coronavirus infection. The service is intended for patients registered at any of the Leighton Buzzard GP practices.

The facility is open from 2pm to 6pm every weekday though this may increase if there is additional need. It has been developed as a town-wide initiative in cooperation with all three GP practices in town. It will be staffed by nurses and doctors from all the Leighton Buzzard practices.

John Henderson, Clinical Director of Leighton Buzzard Primary Care Network, said: "Patients seen there will be booked in by a doctor from one of our practices after an initial telephone assessment.

"The timeframe for opening the service has been short but we hope it will help us assess our patients in a safer and more effective way. We feel it will offer an important additional locally-based service in our fight against coronavirus infection."

Leighton Road Surgery posted on its Facebook page following the launch: "Our first day in the Leighton Buzzard PCN Assessment Centre was a real success. Our Clinical Team will be in full PPE for all patients' consultations ensuring everyone remains safe during this crisis."