Liberty Stadium testing unit transferred to Fabian Way

Above SBUHB’s Operational Lead of Covid Testing, Rachel Griffiths (fore) and members of the testing team prepare to say goodbye to the Liberty Stadium.

Swansea Bay University Health Board’s (SBUHB) Liberty Stadium drive-through testing unit has transferred to a new home.

The Swansea-based unit carried out more than 100,000 tests in the shadow of the home of the Swans and Ospreys, since June 2020, but has relocated to the east of the city, ahead of the stadium returning to full use as Covid restrictions are eased.

Its new location is the Park and Ride overflow car park off Fabian Way in Port Tennant.

Rachel Griffiths, SBUHB’s Operational Lead of Covid Testing, said: “We would like to say a very big thank you to all at the Liberty Stadium, they have been absolutely fantastic in supporting us to provide an essential service during this extremely challenging period.

“We have been able to facilitate undertaking a considerable amount of tests here at the stadium somewhere in the region of 107,000 drive-through tests since June of last year, thanks to the pivotal support and accommodation of all at the stadium.

“We just want to say a very big thank you to them all.”

Explaining the need to move to the new Fabian Way site Rachel said: “Events at the Liberty Stadium are now planned, they have held some test events, which have gone very well, so are looking to start resuming their events and games and we wish them all the best.

“The new site, which is just off Fabian Way, near to the park and ride is easy to find and very accessible, and we want to thank Swansea Council for making this possible.

“The site supports pre-booked appointments only, anyone wishing to attend will need to either book via the Gov.uk booking portal, contact 119 or call the 01639 862757 booking centre.”

A spokesperson for the Liberty Stadium said: “The Covid-19 testing site at the Liberty Stadium has been a beacon that represents what a challenging period we have been living through over the past 18 months.

“The effects of the pandemic will never be underestimated, and the community of Swansea has rallied throughout. The Liberty Stadium has also been a safe place for more than 4,500 nurses to train since the first lockdown began in March 2020 and they have all gone on to help those in need.

“All the staff have played a key role and we would like to thank them for their professionalism and their efforts during a very challenging time.”

Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:

“We’ve been working closely with the health board to be there for the people of Swansea over the last 16 months, building both the Liberty testing unit and now hosting the new one at our Park and Ride site on Fabian Way.

“We’re really pleased the Liberty Stadium testing unit played such an important role in helping keep our residents safe. The new venue also serves as a reminder that while things are changing, the virus is still with us and we all need to continue to follow Welsh Government rules in the months ahead.”  

The drive-through testing unit is not a drop in unit and testing is by appointment only, anyone without a booking cannot be accommodated.

To book an appointment call the Swansea Bay booking line on 01639 862757 between 9am and 8pm or visit https://www.gov.uk/

Please note face coverings are required at all times.

You can now go for a free Coronavirus test if you have a wider range of symptoms. As well as the three classic signs: fever, a new continuous cough or a loss/change of taste and smell; people are now able to get a test if they have other symptoms too.

These are:

• Flu-like symptoms including any or all of: myalgia (muscle ache or pain); excessive tiredness; persistent headache; runny nose or blocked nose; persistent sneezing; sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing;
• Generally feeling unwell and a history of being in contact with a known COVID-19 case
• Any new or change in symptoms following a previous negative test
• Any symptom which is new, persistent and/or unusual for them