AQW 7430/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health to detail the current daily COVID-19 testing capacity; and for his assessment of the adequacy of this capacity.
Asked by Stewart Dickson MLA on 23 September 2020
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 23 September 2020
- Answer due by
- 8 October 2020
- Answered
- 12 October 202019 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Overall testing capacity is continually reviewed by my Department and there are active discussions underway to further enhance capacity across both aspects of our current testing programme.
Pillar 1 testing is delivered via Health and Social Care laboratories and laboratories operating as part of the Scientific Advisory Consortium. My Department is actively working with colleagues in the Public Health Agency and in the Health and Social Care Trusts to ensure that Pillar 1 testing capacity increases further.
Pillar 2 testing is delivered through participation in the National Testing Programme managed by the Department of Health and Social care in London (DHSC). Demand for testing has increased significantly across the UK in recent weeks and I am aware that the National Testing Programme is currently experiencing an exceptionally high demand. Officials here continue to link with DHSC on a regular basis to ensure that testing capacity through Pillar 2 is enhanced for Northern Ireland
Optimising available testing capacity will continue to me a key priority for me and for my officials in the weeks and months ahead.