Monthly tests in care homes falls short of gold standard

Responding to the regular testing of staff and residents in care homes, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson said:

“We welcome the recognition of how important regular testing is in care homes.

“We have been clear that routine testing of asymptomatic staff in the NHS and care homes is vital for infection control and reducing risk of a second wave in COVID-19 cases.

“Experts suggest that tests should happen twice a week in order to be effective.

“The monthly tests for staff and residents announced today falls very short of that standard.

“There is clearly a challenge in terms of securing the testing capacity that is required but addressing that must be an urgent priority as part of a wider test and trace strategy.”

NHS Providers backs RCP’s calls to extend flu vaccinations

Responding to calls from the Royal College of Physicians to extend flu vaccinations, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

“There is a real risk as we head into winter that we may face a perfect storm of winter flu and a second surge of COVID-19 cases.

“It therefore makes sense to step up preparations from now to minimise that risk.

“That is why we support the suggestion of offering flu vaccines to everyone over 50 if enough vaccine is available.

“We must do all we can to keep people safe in the difficult months ahead.”