COVID-19 testing for agency nurses

We have been in contact with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to seek clarity on how agency nurses can gain access to COVID-19 tests as part of the UK’s National Testing Programme.

The following advice is applicable to agency workers who work for Thornbury Nursing Services. If you do not work for us then we advise you to contact your agency for clarification of how you can gain access to a test.

Who is eligible for testing?
The National Testing Programme provides coronavirus (COVID-19) tests to symptomatic frontline workers or symptomatic members of their household. This is to support the return to work of frontline workers and help employers maximise their workforce capacity during this unprecedented time.

If you work for Thornbury Nursing Services and are unable to work because either:
a. you believe you have COVID-19 symptoms or,
b. you believe a member of your household has COVID-19 symptoms

then you are eligible for testing. Unfortunately, you are not eligible for testing if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19. You are only eligible if you are symptomatic and having to self-isolate. The key purpose of the National Testing Programme is to support frontline workers get back to work quickly.

What do you need to do?
If you live in England, you can now apply directly for testing through the GOV.UK self-referral form. You can choose to be directed to the nearest testing station or request a home testing kit. Please remember that if you are self-isolating because either you or someone in your household is symptomatic, you must let us know. If you have chosen to attend a local testing site, you are only able to if you have a car or a member of your household has a car. You must drive/be driven to the test site and will also have to show your Thornbury ID or confirmation email, upon arrival.

Please note that we are still awaiting confirmation on the Welsh testing process for agency workers.

If you are concerned that you may be displaying symptoms of coronavirus or have any other concerns, you should visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus which provides the latest Government advice and guidance.