A pharmacy in Salisbury has launched private Covid-19 tests to help people who have been unable to book one through the NHS or those who are not eligible for testing.

Adults and children over 12 years without coronavirus symptoms can now access PCR tests from Well Pharmacy in Winchester Street.

These can be ordered online through the pharmacy's website or can be carried out at the pharmacy.

The Covid-19 home self-swab test costs £120 including delivery.

The test-kit comes with prepaid postage and packing to facilitate returning swab samples to the pharmacy's partner laboratory for analysis.

The in-pharmacy Covid Testing Service also costs £120. Payment is taken when making an appointment.

Gemma Hall, Pharmacist at Well Salisbury, said: "I’m very proud of how our Well Salisbury - Winchester Street Pharmacy has supported the community throughout the pandemic.

"We offer vital access to NHS healthcare services, advice and support to the local community. The new private Covid-19 PCR Test gives people with no symptoms a choice to find out if they currently have the virus or not. Whether you are making plans to travel, need a result for work or simply want peace of mind before seeing friends and family as government guidelines change - our Covid-19 PCR Test is 99% accurate.

"We know how important it is to keep everyone safe, and as the Pharmacist on site, I would like to reassure customers that I will be collecting your sample under strict procedures in our private consultation room.

"We have full PPE and can do this quickly and safely. You will receive results via an online portal two working days after the sample has been received by the lab for analysis, and if a negative result lands, you’ll get a Fit to Travel certificate that will be accepted by airlines and countries you may want to visit.

"We are here to help and discuss any concerns that people may have. Customers can have total confidence in our service – it’s effective, quick, and safe."

The launch of private tests comes after a study commissioned by the company showing that one person in five who tried to get a free NHS Covid test for themselves or their family experienced difficulty, with nearly one in 10 people in England being unsuccessful in their attempt to secure the test.

And with Christmas being round the corner, according to the pharmacy, more than one in 10 people said they would be prepared to pay for a private test to offer reassurance to their families.

Patients requesting the in-pharmacy service will be required to fill out an online pre-screening questionnaire to make sure they are not displaying any symptoms of the virus and follow the instructions to book an appointment at well.co.uk.

A pharmacist will carry out the swab test in a private consultation room, package the swab and send it to a laboratory to be tested, with results usually available within two working days of receipt by the lab.

To order a Covid-19 PCR Test online, customers can buy a test kit via shop.well.co.uk.

For orders made before 5pm Monday to Friday the test kit will arrive the next day.

For more information visit the website