The chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson said:

“A fit for purpose test and trace service is vital to enable a safe exit from lockdown. We welcome the launch of NHS Test and Trace and the clear instructions to the public on what role they need to play. But there is still a long way to go to create the fit for purpose regime we need.

“There is, at last, a clear plan for what needs to be done and we welcome the rapid work being led by Baroness Dido Harding. But, as a nation, the UK is many weeks behind where we need to be and where other countries are. And there are three key gaps to fill.

“There are still far too many places where tests are taking more than 24 hours - the international standard – to turn around. For many health and care providers the average turnaround time is between 3 and 7 days.

“It’s good to see the emphasis on developing local test and trace plans, for example to manage the risk of covid spreading in potential hot spots like railway stations and places of worship. But this work only started last week and will take several more weeks to complete.

“And NHS trusts can’t resume ordinary services like elective surgery until they can rapidly test all patients who need to visit an NHS site for treatment and regularly test all the staff who will be providing that treatment. There are still no clear plans to do this consistently across the country.

“So whilst today’s announcement represents good progress, and an important milestone, there is still a huge amount to do. It would help if the Government acknowledged this and was clear about how and when these gaps will be filled rather than pretending a world class service will be available on June 1st when it clearly won’t.

“It is also important for the Government to be clear about how these gaps interact with decisions on easing lockdown. It’s vital to continue to protect the NHS and keep people safe.”