Hartlepool MP hits out at lack of coronavirus testing facilities in Hartlepool town as neighbouring Middlesbrough put on watch list

With nearby Middlesbrough placed on the national COVID 19 watch list, Mike Hill has hit out over the lack of testing facilities.

He said the town had done well to limit the number of cases, but that success was now under threat.

“Compared with other places in the North East, Hartlepool has consistently shown a resilience to COVID 19 that is second to none,” said Mr Hill.

"We have fought this disease with tenacity and a very special community spirit, but it’s been tough for all of us and catastrophically, like everywhere else, far too many families have lost loved ones to this deadly disease.

"Because of our vigilance, we have mercifully sustained less COVID-related fatalities than anywhere else in the region, but frankly, this record is at risk because of the Government’s failure to provide accessible testing facilities for Coronavirus, not only to the town, but right across Teesside.

"Constituents have written to me about their frustration over the lack of testing facilities in the town and I have heard far too many stories of people having to travel significant distances to get tested.

“That simply isn’t acceptable and is frankly a disgrace. The people of Hartlepool deserve better. I’ve heard horrendous stories about people having to travel as far afield as Bradford to get tested and a prominent former local NHS personality has informed me that even in their case a vulnerable relative was forced to travel to Bishop Auckland in order to get tested.

“It’s downright disgusting that a town that has done so much to look after each other during COVID ,with a population of over 98, 000 souls doesn’t have an accessible testing facility. It’s also a disgrace that townsfolk are expected to travel significant distances for testing, compounded by increased risk of transmission if public transport is required for the journey and where public transport is available.

“If the Government doesn’t pay attention to our needs right here and right now then my town, our town, will experience a second spike and sadly more deaths.”

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