Drive-through coronavirus assessment centre set up outside Sussex GP surgery

A drive-through coronavirus assessment centre has been set up outside a GP surgery in Sussex.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The centre – dubbed the ‘COVID Hot Site’ – has been built outside River Lodge Surgery in Lewes.

It has been created for patients of The Foundry – School Hill Medical Practice, St Andrew’s Surgery and River Lodge Surgery.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dr Jason Heath, one of the practice’s partners, said the centre is designed for patients who after ringing 111, require further assistance if the 111 call handler decides this.

The assessment centre outside River Lodge Surgery in LewesThe assessment centre outside River Lodge Surgery in Lewes
The assessment centre outside River Lodge Surgery in Lewes

He said: “The centre is a safe place for patients to be clinically assessed.

“Patients will be tested in their cars for their breathing and oxygen levels – and medical staff will be wearing protective equipment.

“If further treatment is required, they will be directed to the surgery or hospital.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dr Heath confirmed the centre operates on an appointment only basis.

The‘COVID Hot Site’ in LewesThe‘COVID Hot Site’ in Lewes
The‘COVID Hot Site’ in Lewes

Appointments on foot will be arranged if people cannot drive, he said.

He confirmed the assessment centre could evolve into a testing site in the future.

Read More
Lewes GP surgeries issue advice to patients amid coronavirus crisis

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

Picture contributedPicture contributed
Picture contributed

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

But I also have an urgent plea to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality local news on this free-to-read site and in print, please purchase a copy of our newspaper as well. With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on our town centres and many of our valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you buying a copy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Our journalists are highly trained by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards anywhere in the world. Our content is universally trusted - as all independent research proves.

Picture contributedPicture contributedPicture contributedPicture contributed
Picture contributedPicture contributed

As Baroness Barran said in a House of Lords debate this week on the importance of journalists: “Not only are they a trusted source of facts, but they will have a role to play in rallying communities and getting the message across about how we can keep ourselves and our families safe, and protect our NHS. Undoubtedly, they have a critical role.”

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. In return we will continue to forensically cover the local news - not only the impact of the virus but all the positive and uplifting news happening in these dark days.

In addition, please write to your MP urging the Government to provide some additional financial support for local newspapers and their websites like this one and ensuring that supermarkets continue to stock them. I cannot stress enough how important such an intervention would be.

We thank all our readers and advertisers for their understanding and support - and we wish YOU all the best in the coming weeks. Keep safe, and follow the Government advice. Thank you.

Related topics: