Demobilisation of former NHS Scotland Covid-19 test centre in Livingston: FOI release

Information requested

Why the former NHS Scotland COVID-19 test centre situated at the Livingston FC car park (Almondvale Stadium) has still not been fully demobilised many weeks after closing. It has been only partially dismantled, but I note that there appears to be what I can only assume to be some form of security guarding (a vehicle parked within the fenced compound).

I walk past this site regularly, and there is a diesel generator running non-stop, 24 hours a day, which is obviously costing the taxpayers a significant amount of money given the current retail price of fuel.

Please explain why this is necessary, and when it is expected to be removed from its current location.

Response

From May 2020, the Scottish Government has worked with partners to build the largest diagnostics network in the country's history -which included 42 mobile testing units, eight drive-through regional test sites, and 60 walk-through local test sites.

We are working with local authorities, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and their infrastructure providers to ensure the quickest available demobilisation route, and this work is currently scheduled to be complete by August 2022. The Livingston walk-through local test site is currently scheduled to be demobilised in July.

UKHSA are responsible for running and demobilising the test site network. It requires a security presence on sites that are yet to be demobilised, to ensure the safety of the site area and remaining UKHSA infrastructure, equipment and assets. For further information on test site demobilisation, you may wish to contact UKHSA at enquiries@ukhsa.gov.uk.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.