Staff Self-Swab PCR Testing

Covid-19 PCR Testing Process for RD&E Staff

Effective Monday 23rd May 2022:-

Staff PCR testing is no longer required – please use Lateral flow testing (LFD) instead.

Following recent government changes to testing and self-isolation guidance for health care workers, out Clinical Effectiveness Committee agreed a number of changes for staff working across our Eastern Services.

 

A summary of key changes:-

 

Asymptomatic  screening for staff

• Staff working in patient facing areas are required to complete twice weekly asymptomatic LFD screening (this includes roles that come into contact with patients of support those in a clinical area.)
• Staff working in non-patient facing areas are no longer required to undertake asymptomatic testing.

 

Staff who have new symptoms of COVID-19

• PCR tests no longer required for symptomatic staff.
  • • If symptomatic please self test using an LFD

 

• • a. Core symptoms of COVID-19:
    • • A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
      • Fever over 37.8°C – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
      • Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

 

• • b. Minor symptoms can also be due to COVID-19 and often develop before the core symptoms such as:
    • • Sore throat
      • Shortness of breath
      • Malaise (a general feeling of weakness, discomfort, feeling unwell)
      • Feeling tired or exhausted
      • An aching body
      • A blocked or runny nose
      • Headache
      • Loss of appetite
      • Diarrhoea
      • Feeling nauseous or being sick

 

Staff who have a positive LFD result

• PCR tests non longer required for staff with a positive LFD test.
  • • LFD tests are logged on the NHS portal
    • Inform your line manager
    • Inform HR Absence Hub (01392 406960 or rde-tr.covid19hrabsencehub@nhs.net) to log your isolation absence as soon as possible.
      • • Contact HR Absence hub only during working hours (Between 08:30–17:00 Monday – Friday) otherwise contact the next working day. Site management can be contacted Out-Of-Hours (via switchboard) if truly urgent.

 

• The return to work process remains the same for days 0-10.
• From day 11, staff no longer need a negative LFD result and can return to work if they no dot have a temperature and feel clinically well enough.

 

• Patient facing staff should resume asymptomatic screening using LFD upon return to work.

 

Staff identified as a contact of COVID-19

• Staff may continue to work if they have a household member or overnight guest who tests positive for COVID-19, providing the staff member feels well and completes their asymptomatic LFD screening.