Pre ablation COVID test

[ETFCfan]

I had my pre assessment for my ablation yesterday. It was done by phone by a very kind nurse who explained everything. This is my third but obviously not had one under the present circumstances. I was wondering how others have managed getting a COVID test, I will be isolating during the week when I’m meant to get my test and phoned the number the nurse gave me to book a test on the day the hospital said. Apparently you can only pre book the day before and the lady on the phone suggested I phone at 7am to try and get an appointment. Only drive ins are available and we haven’t a car but our son will take me as I can’t use public transport. I’m worried there won’t be an appointment as the lady at the COVID centre said she could send me anywhere to get one. I wasn’t nervous about the ablation but am stressing over getting a COVID test. Has anyone done a home test pre admission? Barts said I could have a test there but they didn’t particularly want me traveling into London in a taxi unecessarily.

Otherwise I was very happy that my wait isn’t too long.

[Alan1947]

Three days before my ablation at St Thomas’ in London a courier came to my home with the Covid test. I did this while he waited outside and then he took it back with him. Like you I didn’t want to make any unnecessary journey into London but in the end this didn’t arise.

I was given another test before leaving St T. Both negative, thankfully.

[ETFCfan in reply to Alan1947]

Thank you so much for replying that would be ideal. Did your hospital arrange this or did you?

Hope you’re doing well.

[Alan1947 in reply to ETFCfan]

It was all arranged through the excellent Arrhythmia nurse at St Thomas’. All designed to save me travelling unnecessarily until the ablation day.

Are you under Barts ? They don’t seem to be helping you much.

[ETFCfan in reply to Alan1947]

Yes I’m under Barts and the nurse I spoke to was lovely but just said I’d have to go up there for a COVID test as a last resort. After hearing from you I’ll ask if there’s a similar service there, she left me a phone number and email address to contact her. I’d rather not wait until the last minute to sort it out. Thank you.

[jerseygirl49 in reply to Alan1947]

Excellent service - this is what they should all be doing.

[jerseygirl49]

I'm sorry ETFCfan but I have only just seen your post of 2 days ago. My husband had his ablation just over 2 weeks ago and he too obviously had to have a Covid19 test beforehand. The hospital was very organised. When they phoned with the appointment for the ablation they explained he would have to have the test 2-3 days before the procedure and that he would have to isolate for 2 weeks before the procedure. They then sent a letter with all the details and the appointment for the test. Your hospital doesnt sound like it is very organised which isnt helpful. It isnt rocket science. No wonder you are a little confused. I hope you have got it sorted. All the best for your ablation and please let us know how it goes.

[ETFCfan in reply to jerseygirl49]

Thank you, have received a letter today with details but still just giving me the NHS number for the drive through appointments to ring and ask our son to take me.. Looks like that’s my only option other than a very expensive taxi ride into London while I’m meant to be isolating. Will post on how it goes x