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COVID-19 Bulletin: Tuesday 24 November

November 24, 2020

Regular readers will note that today we are keeping the bulletin light with only one news item for you to read on the new lateral flow testing currently being rolled out. That demonstrates the importance of this item, and we’d ask all colleagues to ensure they give it their attention. Already the first result has been uploaded to Connect, with accompanying feedback to say the test was simple to use.

Just a reminder that we are holding a virtual staff briefing for all colleagues to find out more about our arrangements for the second wave of the pandemic. The session is due to take place tomorrow – Wednesday 25 November, 11am and can be joined by clicking here. and entering the password “COVID19”

Self-testing for patient-facing colleagues

All patient-facing staff of NHS Hospital Trusts are being asked to take part in the new self-testing programme. As the new lateral flow tests start to be distributed across the Trust, frontline colleagues will receive their home tests within the next fortnight. Here is what to do when you receive your tests:

  • When you are given your test supplies you will be asked to sign a form to say you have received them.
  • Your kit will contain 25 tests.
  • You should familiarise yourself with the instructions on how to use the test. A useful video can be viewed by clicking here: You can view this at home as long as you have an internet connection as it is hosted on YouTube.
  • You should take your test at home twice a week (every three or four days) for the 12 weeks after receiving your kit.
  • If you have a question please check here for our Fequently Asked Questions.
  • If you are not confident about the process, you should be supervised by a clinician while you complete your first test.
  • As soon as you start testing, you should record your results here.
  • If you get a positive result you should notify the contact centre who can submit the information on your behalf. They will also arrange for you to have a COVID-19 swab to confirm your result. Do not come into work if you see a positive result other than to have a swab taken.

 You can contact the contact centre on the following numbers:

Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm

  • 0121 507 2664

When you hear the options, press 6 for your call to be transferred into the swabbing queue and prioritised.

Weekends, 8am – 4pm

  • 07816 992873 or
  • 07970 428995

These tests are being distributed in a phased way. Your department is likely to receive additional kits over the course of the next week as part of the phased roll out. If by Thursday 3 December you have not received a kit, please call the contact centre.