Alexander Stafford, the Conservative MP for Rother Valley, has hailed the arrival of a Mobile Testing Unit as a huge win for local people and has expressed satisfaction that his campaigning on this issue in the House of Commons has paid off.
The Mobile Testing Unit will be drive-through and will provide tests at the Maltby Leisure Centre car park on Friday 21st August. Residents can book their appointment online now at www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or call 119.
Alexander highlighted the importance of the Mobile Testing Unit in keeping Maltby open and eradicating COVID-19 in our community. He is encouraging as many constituents as possible to book an appointment, even if they only display mild symptoms.
The launch of the Mobile Testing Unit in Maltby comes after strong campaigning by Alexander on the issue, including in Parliament. In a debate on the ‘Coronavirus Response’ on 20th July 2020, Alexander asked the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock:
“The Secretary of State will know that many people in Rother Valley do not own cars and that public transport is often woeful, so will he support putting mobile testing units in Maltby and Dinnington so that everyone who needs a test can get a test?”
The Secretary of State replied:
“I will look precisely at putting mobile testing units in Maltby and Dinnington and look, again, at the local data, along with the local authority, to see what we can do.”
The debate and this particular exchange can be viewed at: https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2020-07-20/debates/CEB1C545-2E55-4CD7-84D4-5CDC09C5F357/CoronavirusResponse?highlight=maltby%20testing#contribution-5A6C9AEC-56A4-4EFE-8DCD-AA43DB5C756D
Commenting, Alexander said:
"I am delighted that the Government has listened to my calls for a Mobile Testing Unit in Maltby and has responded by delivering this for the people of Rother Valley.
“I urge everyone to make use of this facility in order to crack down on the despicable virus and help banish it from our communities.
“I am confident that this strong Government support for our area combined with our sense of civic pride and duty will guarantee that we overcome coronavirus and strengthen Rother Valley in the process.”
