Waiting much longer than they expected for the results of a PCR test to come through has rattled more than one Lismore App reader this week. In fact, one reader describes the health authorities’ handling of his test results as a “debacle” and he is still not sure if his test results are his, or someone else’s. 

Update

Last week, The Lismore App reported the story of how one Lismore local felt unwell and went to get a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) at the local pharmacy – only to be told that the government had confiscated the deliveries.

After finally getting a PCR test at the Lismore Base Hospital, he went home to isolate and wait for the results. Read more: Local pharmacy left high and dry as government 'confiscates' Rapid Antigen Tests

Waiting alone in his remote home, he expected the results to come through in five days. But nothing came through.

So he decided to do something about it and made a series of phone calls, beginning with Lismore base Hospital.

Eventually, he was given the number of a pathology lab based in Sydney, and was told he should “keep trying as they are run off their feet”.

Read more Covid news: Lismore local in India with Covid, says Australia's Covid treatment is 'third world'

Wrong number

“Eventually, the lady there I spoke to was able to get my Covid test result - and she told me it was negative,” he said.

“Then she wanted to confirm my phone number – and it was the wrong number.

Mistaken identity?

“Then I got a phone call from a woman who had been sent a text message that she had a negative test result – and it had my number in it - so she rang me to check.

“I’m thinking about getting another test done because I’m unsure that any of the rest were correct and relating to me.

“When I asked for advice about this, a lady on the phone said maybe I should get a private test done.

Asymptomatic

“I’m asymptomatic now and so much time has already passed by, there’s no point getting tested now,

“I’m just going to carry on with life as normal now.

“The government handling of this is all wrong.

Not coping

“The public health system is not coping with the number of tests they have at the moment.

“I found out that Covid swabs from Lismore Base Hospital are being sent to John Hunter in Newvastle.

“They can’t handle the amount they have and are shipping them off.

“I rang MP Janelle Saffin’s office and they said they would look into it

“The system is broken – and we know it.”

“When the NSW Premier told everyone to take their masks off, that’s when this thing blew out. It was all about government PR – so they could look good over Christmas and people could

socialize.

Another case

Another Lismore App reader contacted us yesterday saying she was still awaiting Covid test results from the Fever Clinic at Lismore Base Hospital from seven days ago.

She said she still has symptoms and was concerned and wanted answers.

“I cannot get any help and there are many of us,” she said.

The Lismore App followed up with her a day later and found she had finally received her test result – and it had come back positive.

Contact us

If you have any concerns about what’s happening locally, please let us know at the Lismore App. We are sure you will not be alone – and The Lismore App is here to listen to your stories and hopefully find answers.