Guidance on COVID-19 testing for Health Workers

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Healthcare workers to limit spread through COVID-19 testing

Working when unwell risks your health and wellbeing, and potentially undermines public health policy on preventing COVID-19 transmission. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, you must prioritise self-care and manage your health, including following NHS self-isolation guidance. Healthcare workers are advised to go for testing in the first three days as their symptoms arise as it is most effective for diagnosis. 

Who qualifies for priority COVID-19 testing

The official gov.uk limits the following groups access to priority testing: 

  • essential workers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

  • anyone in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland over 5 years old who has symptoms of coronavirus and lives with an essential worker

  • children under 5 years old in England and Wales who have symptoms of coronavirus and live with an essential worker (this test must be performed by a parent or guardian)

Book for priority testing as a healthcare worker

Healthcare workers who suspect they may experience Coronavirus symptoms should immediately apply for an appointment to get tested. Various testing options are available for COVID-19 testing including 

  • Test sites

  • Home Testing

  • Mobile testing units

  • Satellite centres 

  • NHS facilities

If you are an essential worker you can either apply through self-referral or an employer referral.  View a list of essential workers and those prioritised for testing (England only).

Nursing Services of UK agency healthcare staff

Nursing Services of UK is currently supporting national guidelines to assist all healthcare workers with COVID-19 testing. We have priority testing access and will be systemically scheduling testing for all agency workers.

Healthcare workers will be informed about their COVID-19 status immediately and will be indicated whether they can return to work or start their period of isolation. 

If you have been tested and your results are not visible on StaffShift, please upload it now or email oh@a24group.com. If you have not been tested yet, also let us know and we will arrange a test accordingly.