At ProMedical, we fully appreciate the pressure you are currently under. You’re engaged in a continuous battle against coronavirus on the NHS frontlines, so things like keeping up with the news may well have taken a backseat. You might have even decided to avoid watching the daily updates for your own mental health. No matter the reason, we’re here to provide you with the latest news and guidance surrounding COVID-19. Not only are we best placed to give you these updates, we fully appreciate the strain placed on our clients, candidates and all healthcare professionals at the present time. 

What’s the update?

The Government has recently updated the COVID-19 testing measures with regards to key workers. Testing for the virus in England now includes all NHS and social care workers whether you are displaying symptoms or not. These measures also include residents in care homes, with the intention of rolling out a comprehensive programme of testing for all such facilities. NHS patients who are in hospital for a reason besides COVID-19 and who are not currently showing symptoms can be tested too. 

What does this mean?

The new measures mean that anyone who falls into the category listed above can now be tested for COVID-19. Our NHS staff are an absolute priority when it comes to testing, so if you’ve previously been unable to access a coronavirus test, please read on for more information on how to get one. 

It should be noted that whilst the Government is allowing those without symptoms to be tested, the test will be most effective within the first three days of symptoms appearing. 

How do I get tested?

The current process for testing in the UK is as follows. You can make a self-referral via this link, or you may also be able to get an employer referral. Testing can be done via a local drive-through centre or a home-testing kit, though there are limited supplies of the latter. 

In terms of the test itself, this is a simple and straight-forward process which should not cause any distress. You will be required to provide a swab of the nose and the back of your throat. You have the option of performing the swab yourself or it can be done by a healthcare assistant if you choose a drive-through centre. 

For the full list of essential workers who are to be prioritised for testing, click this link to be taken to the official GOV.uk guidance.