Chesterfield family 'in limbo for days' over Covid test for elderly mum

Eighty-six-year-old Doreen Clayton, who has lost a kidney to cancer and has various other health problems, displayed coronavirus symptoms after being discharged from Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Although her daughters were able to get a test for Doreen, all other members of the family are in the vulnerable category and were unable to visit her home and give her the test themselves.

Family members say the test just ‘sat there’ at Doreen’s home from Saturday morning until Tuesday while her condition deteriorated.

MORE: These are the places in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire with new confirmed Covid-19 cases

Doreen was finally given the test by her GP on Tuesday and the family are now awaiting the result.

Doreen’s daughter, who asked not to be named, said: “We got the test delivered to mum on Saturday but then it just sat there because none of us were able to visit her to give her the test.

"We felt in limbo and abandoned. Helplines suggested she do the test herself at first but she is frail and wouldn’t have a clue how to do it.

"The advice then was to put black bin liners on, mask up and do it ourselves.

MORE: Derbyshire health chief's worries that people tiring of Covid rule changes will lead to rise in cases

"But my sister is vulnerable and my husband has recently had surgery so the advice is we shouldn’t be going near her.

"Nobody wanted to take responsibility.”

Doreen was discharged from the Royal after a test taken at the hospital came back negative.

The family then discovered another woman on the same hospital bay as Doreen had tested positive, and became increasingly concerned when her condition continued to deteriorate.

A spokesperson from NHS Derby and Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group said he was ‘very pleased’ to hear the situation had been resolved.

"In addition to the fixed testing sites in Chesterfield and the Mobile Testing Units that have been provided across the county, home testing kits are also available for people who are unable to travel,” he added.

"These home based tests can be performed by the individuals themselves, family members or carers, visiting health and care staff, or others working in support roles.

"We are also in the process of developing additional testing options and these will be available in the near future via https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus or phone 119.”

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a print subscription. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Please subscribe at www.localsubsplus.co.uk so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.