Skip to content Skip to main menu Skip to utility menu

Testing and isolation for NHS staff

January 7, 2022

Recent government guidance has changed the arrangements for testing and isolation allowing some staff to return to work after being COVID-19 positive if they are well and have two consecutive negative lateral flow results from day 6.

The guidance on PCR testing for NHS staff has not changed despite the changes for the wider population. This is to protect patients within our care and other colleagues.

The staff isolation and when to come back to work information sheet is important as it includes information on what to do if you or one of your team members tests positive for COVID-19, or is in contact with a COVID-19 case. It also includes information on when PCR tests should be accessed, or faster turnaround tests of which there is a limited supply, and the definition of a “contact”.

As a summary:

  • If you have COVID-19 symptoms and have a negative lateral flow test result , we still require you to have a PCR test with a negative result in order to come into work.
  • If you have no symptoms but are a contact of a positive COVID-19 case but have tested negative on a lateral flow test, we still require you to have a PCR test with a negative result in order to come into work.
  • PCR tests can be booked at Little Lane carpark, Sandwell Hospital, by calling the Contact Centre on 0121 507 2664 – option 6.

 Please read the staff isolation and when to come back to work information sheet and share with your colleagues