COVID-19
Home testing is being used as a way of limiting the spread of the Coronavirus.
Plans from NHS England have revealed that Community and Practice Nurses alongside Paramedics are being tasked to undertake home COVID-19 (Coronavirus) testing.
Over 130 people have already been tested at home by the London Community Testing Network (LCTN) over the past two weeks.
Potential cases are referred from GPs, NHS 111, or local emergency departments to community testing hubs.
A healthcare professional is then sent to the person’s home with PPE to perform the test within 24 hours of referral to undertake testing and offer advice on self-isolation.
Patients are then phoned with the results and if they are found to be infected, are admitted to hospital.
Home testing is being used as a way of limiting the spread of the COVID-19. While over 6000 people in the UK have been tested, only nine have been confirmed as infected with COVID-19.
Pilot home testing.
The community testing protocol was developed in collaboration with the London Ambulance Service, NHS England, NHS 111, and Public Health England with a nationwide rollout expected.
Professor Keith Willett, NHS strategic incident director for coronavirus said: “We have started to pilot home testing for coronavirus in London, which will be carried out by NHS staff, like nurses or paramedics, allowing people to stay home rather than having to travel, which is safer for you and your family and limits the spread of infection.
“Anyone who is concerned they have signs and symptoms, should continue to use NHS 111 as their first point of contact – they will tell you what you exactly what you need to do and where necessary, the right place to be tested.
“People should also play their part by following public health advice – wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze, and put used tissues in the bin immediately.
“I would also like to thank the NHS staff who are back in Arrowe Park ready to provide excellent care and support to the British nationals who are returning from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan.”
