The government needs to make sure its coronavirus testing strategy is fit for purpose instead of focusing on hitting targets, says the Royal College of GPs (RCGP).
In a letter to Health Secretary Matt Hancock, chairman Prof Martin Marshall said long wait times were "undermining confidence" in the results. Health professionals were also concerned about the accuracy of some test results, he said.
The government said "95% of tests" were processed "in less than 48 hours".
Ensuring there are enough tests to meet demand is part of the government's five tests it says must be met before easing lockdown restrictions. However, the absence of a clear strategy had left patients vulnerable, according to Prof Marshall.
He said the RCGP did not currently believe the testing strategy was capable of working to prevent a second wave of infections and "secure the overall health of the population".
Source: BBC News, 16 May 2020
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