NHS Highland confirms 13 coronavirus assessment centres being set up across the Highlands – but people must not attend without an appointment
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NHS Highland is setting up 13 specially equipped coronavirus assessment centres, including one in Inverness.
The city's newest centre is being set up at the Mackenzie Centre, a day centre for the elderly in Culduthel Road.
The health board was initially asked by the Scottish Government to set up a testing centre in Inverness which was one of only two testing centres set up in Scotland, the other one was in Edinburgh.
A spokeswoman for NHS Highland confirmed the roll out of further assessment centres.
She said: "In line with government guidance we are putting in place support triage and assessment of Covid-19 cases to ensure that this demand does not overwhelm our ability to deal with patients suffering from other ailments.
"From this week patients with Covid-19 related symptoms are being asked to contact NHS24 on 111 with people who need to be seen being offered appointments at dedicated local assessment centres, staffed and equipped to deal with Covid-related presentation.
"There are 13 assessment centres being set up in the NHS Highland area. The Mackenzie Centre is being used as one of these assessment centres.
"To be clear, turning up to any of our assessment centres is based on appointment only via NHS24 by dialling 111."
Matt Hancock, the UK government's health secretary said the new testing centres were to "ramp up" the number of individuals who can be tested on a daily basis.
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