Care homes get online portal to book coronavirus tests

The government has launched an online portal specifically for care homes to order coronavirus test kits.

A survey by the National Care Forum has revealed that care homes were struggling to get tests with 22 per cent of its members (who between them employ 31,262 staff) succeeding in getting tested.

This is despite the government pledging to test all symptomatic and asymptomatic care home staff and residents in England.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock, said: “This new portal allows those who book tests for staff and residents to do so even more easily, and it also offers a route for the prioritisation of care homes with the greatest need.

“We will continue to grow our testing capacity, as we know the certainty and confidence that high quality testing can provide.”

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is working with local authority directors of Public Health, directors of Adult Social Services and local NHS providers to deliver the testing programme for care homes.

Minister of State for Care, Helen Whately, added: “Care homes are on the frontline in the fight against Covid-19 and we are determined that staff have everything they need to keep themselves and their residents safe.

“Testing is a crucial part of this. It helps prevent and control outbreaks and means steps can be taken to reduce the spread the virus and protect the most vulnerable. By prioritising thousands of tests for care home staff and residents, we can target our national testing capacity in the areas and care homes with the greatest need.”

Care home managers will be notified of test results for residents and this information will also be provided to councils to help manage coronavirus outbreaks in local areas.

Domiciliary care staff who need a test should continue to use the self-referral website to request a home test or book an appointment at a test site.

Detailed guidance has been produced for care home managers. A tutorial video is also available to guide staff through the swab collection process.

For care homes wanting to apply for a coronavirus test click here

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