THE system for booking Covid-19 tests has been branded a "shambles" after multiple reports of people being offered appointments in Scotland and Wales.
Health minister Robin Swann last night said he has contacted his British government counterpart Matt Hancock seeking action on testing pressures.
A Co Antrim councillor told how he was advised the nearest site for a test was Stranraer, while another man faced a 700-mile round trip to Cardiff.
Meanwhile, there have been reports of people on the west coast of Scotland being offered tests in Belfast.
There are fears the problems may lead some people giving up, despite being symptomatic.
On Monday The Irish News revealed how a woman from Dungannon with a sick child was one of dozens of people who arrived for appointments at a Carrickfergus test centre only to find it did not exist, while others were sent to private homes and a non-existent school.
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Alliance councillor Danny Donnelly said while no-one who contacted him "was seriously considering going to Scotland", there should be enough capacity in the system.
"It is the first rung on the Public Health Agency's `Test, Trace, Protect' strategy and if they can't even get that right it is not reassuring for anyone," he said.
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan said he was also told the nearest location for a test for his young daughter was Scotland - after being informed no home testing kits were available.
"Shambles," he tweeted.
The UK-wide booking system is operated by the Department of Health and Social Care and a spokesman said improvements are being made.
The number of sites is also to be increased to 500 by the end of October, with 17 more added this week.
Mr Swann said no-one is expected to travel outside the jurisdiction for a test.
"These slots have been offered by the online system because it has not on occasions recognised local requirements. The same problem has been reported in Scotland," he said.
“I want to see this glitch resolved as a priority.
“I have also emphasised the need to urgently build capacity for the national testing programme.”
