Charity staff step in to support NHS carrying out Covid-19 testing in Northamptonshire care homes

Age UK Northamptonshire is supporting the NHS in carrying out COVID-19 tests in care homes across Northamptonshire.

As part of the drive to step up testing in care homes, Age UK Northamptonshire were asked to help NHS staff complete the test.

The staff who stepped forward to support the NHS have undergone full training via zoom and in the care home setting, including donning and doffing PPE, hand washing and completing the test itself which involves swabbing the back of the throat and both nostrils. The test can be completed quickly and is a crucial part of the Government’s strategy to stop the spread of the virus.

The charity says it will continue to support the testing process for as long as it is needed.

Chris Duff, Age UK Northamptonshire’s chief executive, said “I am really proud of Age UK Northamptonshire’s staff and volunteers in the way that they have adapted in times of adversity. Everything we do is focused on helping the older population in Northamptonshire and we’re delighted that we’re able to support our amazing NHS colleagues and partners with such important work.”

The testing is being supported by Northamptonshire County Council, Public Health, Woodland Hospital, Northamptonshire Carers and Age UK Northamptonshire to get the crucial swab tests completed.

Louise Tarplee, Northamptonshire Clinical Commissioning Group’s Lead Nurse for COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control, said: “We are hugely grateful for the support of Age UK Northamptonshire, alongside all our other partners, to improve access to COVID-19 testing in our care homes across the county. This is part of wider partnership work to help local care homes with their COVID-19 response, which also includes the delivery of infection prevention and control training to care home staff.”