A NEW Public Health Wales testing laboratory has opened in Rhyl.

It is hoped the new centre will help prevent delays for people waiting to get results back.

Darren Millar, Clwyd West Members of the Senedd (MS), said: “It is great news that this laboratory is now up and running in Rhyl to serve the people of North Wales and that they will no longer have to wait for test samples to be transported to Cardiff.

“The daily transportation of tests to Cardiff was causing unnecessary delays in test results being produced and causing avoidable anxiety for those waiting for news, hopefully this new lab will put an end to all that.

“When I questioned the Health Minister [Vaughan Gething] on Covid-19 testing and capacity during last week's virtual Plenary meeting, he told me that the new laboratory 'will provide not just closer geographic access, but some additional capacity as well, and that should make a positive difference for people across North Wales, but more resilience across our national picture as well'.

"I really hope he’s right. The people of North Wales had to wait long enough for it.”

James Davies, Vale of Clwyd MP, said: "In recent weeks people across North Wales have had to endure worrying waits as their Covid tests were sent to Cardiff, so I very much welcome the opening of this testing laboratory in Rhyl which will enable people to get their results far quicker.

"However, this was slow to happen and testing availability and capacity in Wales still remains low compared to other parts of the UK."

"This must be addressed as soon as possible."

Public Health Wales confirmed the laboratory had opened and 'as of this week', testing will be carried out at the facility.