Covid self-testing using a lateral flow device

NHS staff who are asymptomatic are being asked to self-test for Covid-19 as part of the government's response to the pandemic. In this phase of Covid we have seen an increase in the number of staff and patients who are positive for coronavirus and are not displaying symptoms but are able to pass it on to others who may then become seriously ill.

We are distributing Covid home testing kits to all staff at UHD using a staggered approach, starting with those working in blue (Covid) areas and staff who frequently move between wards and departments, for example our clinical site teams who have already piloted the system.

Your line manager will be contacted and you will each initially receive a 12-week supply of testing kits. You will still need to wear PPE and will be asked to self test even when we start to roll out the vaccine. You can see more FAQs below.

Please note: If you have any symptoms of Covid-19, please make sure you self isolate and arrange a PCR swab from our swabbing team.

Our Covid intranet pages have been updated with all the key information – just look for this box:

You can also click on the links below for more information:

• Watch: How to do a swab and record my result
• A guide to Covid home testing
• Covid self-testing picture guide
• FAQs
• Roles and responsibilities

IMPORTANT: Recording my results

We have set up a dedicated web portal for you to record your results. This can be accessed at mytest.uhd.nhs.uk so you can record the results using your phone. The portal is secure and has been approved by our data protection teams. Your results will be reported daily to Public Health England.

Anyone testing positive on the home device will need to self-isolate immediately and get a follow-up test with our swabbing team.