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Chief Executive’s Message – Friday 9 April

April 9, 2021

Hello, colleagues.

This week I want to address an issue which may feel like something that is either temporary or not hugely important, but is likely to become a mainstay of our lives and very important as we play our part in a return to some kind of post-pandemic normality. That issue is regular COVID testing.

Recently, I received an information return that showed that our use of lateral flow testing by us as employees of the Trust, together with the percentage of staff who regularly provided the results for our database, was some of the lowest in the region. This was a concern both to our senior leadership team and the regional NHS team as well. We now have a more convenient and accurate method of regular testing for all of us, called LAMP testing. The key facts of LAMP testing are set out below:

  • LAMP testing is a more accurate method of testing than the previously used Lateral Flow Test, you also don’t need to upload results yourself.
  • Asymptomatic testing, when completed across the whole organisation allows us to look after our patients and fellow colleagues, by reducing asymptomatic transmission, and allows us as an organisation to have oversight of any outbreak areas so we can take immediate action.
  • This is available to all staff, regardless of job role, profession or which area you work in.
  • To register call 0121 507 2664 option 6, then a time will be arranged for you to collect 12 weeks worth of test kits.
  • Each week you’ll need to deposit your sample in one of the multiple drop off points across the organisation including at our community bases.
  • Any positive results will be sent directly to you before 9am the next day, negative results may take up to 24 hours.

I would like to encourage every colleague in the organisation to take this up and test themselves regularly. For us to be able to manage in a world in which the COVID-19 virus will be ever present, but not dominant in our lives, this is a change to our weekly rhythm of work and personal life that we must all commit to. That way, we can protect ourselves, our patients, our families and our colleagues. COVID will be with us for the foreseeable future. LAMP testing will be with us for the foreseeable future. Let’s help to manage COVID as a low level backdrop to our lives by adopting this straight away and on an ongoing basis.

Have a good weekend.

Best wishes
Richard