Only weekly testing of NHS staff will stop the virus in its tracks

Commenting on the call today (Thursday) from the Health and Social Care Committee for the weekly testing of NHS staff, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:
“Health workers must be tested once a week if the virus is to be stopped in its tracks.
“The government’s failure to ensure regular testing, and speedy results, risks a repeat of the spring when Covid was allowed to spread freely in hospitals and care homes.
“Health unions came up with a blueprint earlier in the year for how the NHS could safely open up services closed due to Covid. Regular testing topped the list.
“Yet, almost five months on, the government’s failed to keep its many testing promises. Sorting out the testing mess before winter descends will help reassure staff and patients that their safety is paramount.”
Notes to editors: 
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: [e-mail]
Garfield Myrie M: 07432 741565 E: [e-mail]

The article Only weekly testing of NHS staff will stop the virus in its tracks first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Source: UNISON Health care news - October 1, 2020 Category: UK Health Authors: Garfield Myrie Tags: News Press release coronavirus testing health Sara Gorton Source Type: news