Remember: Hands, Face, Space. Test, Test, Test.
Collectively we have made a great effort to reach a position with very little transmission of the virus related to the work setting; however this has not happened without everyone playing their part.
This is why it is important that we continue to test ourselves regularly. Infections (especially asymptomatic infections) are still occurring, and testing can help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to your colleagues, your service users and your loved ones.
This all means that we cannot let our guard down or start to become complacent. We must continue to follow the evidence-based guidance for working within NHS settings, to keep ourselves, our service users and our loved ones safe.
We have noticed there has been a sharp drop in the number of staff using lateral flow tests which is a clear risk for the health and safety of both our staff and service users. Service managers can be provided with data based on who is testing in their teams – please email lateral.testing@nhs.net.
Download a poster to display in staff areas – LFT testing reminder
The importance of testing
The lateral flow test is an important part of our collective effort to protect staff and our service users and reduce Covid-19 infection rates. We are still encouraging regular testing even for staff who have had both of their Covid-19 jabs.
- If you are a member of staff who has direct sustained contact with service users you are encouraged to take a test at least twice a week on days that you are attending work.
- If you are visiting any of our Trust sites at any time, whether frequently or as a one-off visit, we would encourage you to plan ahead and take a lateral flow test before you visit.
- The lateral flow test is a rapid test which means you have the results in around 30 minutes.
- If your test is positive you must self-isolate and seek a PCR test, even if you do not have any symptoms or are not feeling unwell. This ensures that Covid-19 is not transmitted to others.
Need to know – quick overview
Please email lateral.testing@nhs.net on where and when you can collect your testing kits.
- You will be provided with a box of 25 tests. You should test yourself on the day you are coming on-site or if you always work on-site, every 3 to 4 days, to fit your shift pattern. For example; every Monday and Thursday, or Wednesday and Sunday.
- To help us to avoid queues or unnecessary crowding, please only come in to collect your testing kits please if you are due on shift. Do not come in if you are on leave or not working – kits will still be available for you to collect on your shift days.
- You must enter your results on the LYPFT reporting system whether it’s positive or negative – see below.
- If you have already tested positive for Covid-19, please wait for 90 days following your positive test before you take part in the Lateral Flow Testing.
- Store your test kits at room temperature – not in direct sunlight and not in a fridge or freezer, and keep the test kit away from children and animals.
If you have any other questions, please download our FAQS for more information.
Guidance and information on testing
Here’s a five minute short training video on the NHS Learning Hub from the Chief Nurse at NHS Test and Trace, which provides step-by-step instructions on self-administering a Lateral Flow COVID-19 test.
Here’s a 7 page step-by-step guide which sets out how the test can be self-administered.
If you are in a rush, here’s a quick check list:
- Prepare your test area and unpack your equipment
- Take your swab sample (nasal swab in both nostrils)
- Process your sample and wait 30 minutes
- Read and report your result
- Carefully dispose of the test device and equipment in your household rubbish.
Recording your results
Whatever your test result (positive or negative), you must enter your results on our Trust’s reporting system after each and every test. You can report via a very simple form here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/L7VX8O/
If your test result is positive
If you get a positive test result you will need to register your result and report to your line manager that you are self-isolating. Please report and record absence from work in the normal way.
You will need to book a PCR test. Further information on what testing is available near you, including how to book an appointment is available on the NHS website. You can also book a test through the Self-Referral Portal on gov.uk.
If you have any problems, please contact the Trust’s Infection Control Team on 0113 85 55957 or email infectioncontrol.lypft@nhs.net.
If your test result is negative
You will need to report this on our system too. If you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms please refer to NHS guidance online as this test may miss some positive cases. If you have Covid symptoms even if your lateral flow test is negative you should still take a PCR test.
If your test result is invalid
You will need to repeat the test.
Where can I get help?
Got a question or two? please download our FAQS (updated June 2021).
For any further queries please contact the Trust’s Infection Control Team on 0113 85 55957 or email infectioncontrol.lypft@nhs.net. There is an answer machine in operation which will direct you to the colleague on call (7 days a week 8am – 9pm).
Please only request a test if you have Covid symptoms e.g. a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
If you do have any coronavirus symptoms you must isolate immediately for 10 days, don’t wait for a test or a test result before doing so. If you have been in contact with a positive case you must isolate for the full 10 days, even if you have had a negative test during that period.
Please do not get a test:
- If you don’t have symptoms, and have not been advised to take a test by a doctor or a public health professional
- If you’ve returned from abroad or are about to travel, or if you have been in contact with a confirmed case or a member of your household has symptoms. You may be advised to isolate but you should only get a test if you have symptoms.
Information on what testing is available near you, including how to book an appointment is available on the NHS website. You can also book at test through the Self-Referral Portal on gov.uk.
Drive through tests
More details about Leeds mobile test units and drive through testing can be found on the Leeds CCG website.
Home testing kits
Home testing kits are suitable for anyone aged 5 years and above. Staff members can order home testing kits for themselves and members of their household aged 5 years and above through this link.
Child testing at Leeds Teaching Hospitals for 0 – 12 year olds
A child test (0 to 12 years) through Leeds Teaching Hospitals can be arranged by a line manager completing a referral to LTHT. Download and complete the how to refer to LTHT for Child testing form to arrange a test.
You may have seen the latest release of Public Health England (PHE) guidance issued on Monday 19 July:
The approach talks about frontline staff being able to work rather than self-isolate if they have received both Covid-19 vaccinations.
This is not the approach LYPFT and other organisations are adopting. Anyone contacted by the track and trace team will still be required to isolate for the 10 day period, unless following a robust risk assessment done by the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Team this is deemed not necessary .
Importantly, this means that staff working for LYPFT will still be required to isolate for the 10 day period when contacted by Track and Trace. It is vitally important you continue to inform your line manager and the IPC team if you receive notification so that we can ensure you are taken through the appropriate risk assessment to keep everyone safe.
If you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace, or you are aware that someone you have been in contact with has tested positive, please:
- Notify your manager as soon as possible
- Complete the Test and Trace Staff information form
- Email the completed for to covid19testandtrace.lypft@nhs.net.
Once we receive this information from you, a member of the Infection Control Team or HR will contact you to discuss next steps.
Please do not come into work until the risk assessment has been undertaken and continue to follow infection control and social distancing guidance.
A comprehensive guide to the NHS Test and Trace programme is available on the government website here.
Here are some other documents you might find useful:
NHS Covid-19 App
The official NHS COVID-19 contact tracing app is available to download to check in to venues, help people find out more about the level of coronavirus risk in their postcode district, check symptoms, order a test and find out if they have been near other app users who have tested positive for coronavirus.
Staff are encouraged to download the app for personal use. However, it is essential that the contract tracing function within the App is turned off at work to prevent being told to self-isolate unnecessarily. Remember to turn it back on after your shift.
Read more about this on the NHS website.
