Northampton General Hospital changes guidelines on asymptomatic staff who test positive for Covid-19 after union criticism

Northampton General Hospital has issued revised guidance to staff who tested positive for Covid-19 but did not show any symptoms.

The move comes after criticism by the GMB Union led to talks between union and hospital bosses earlier today, Friday.

The GMB Union told the Chronicle & Echo on Friday night that they were delighted the hospital had revised its policy.

The NGH Trust said, in a statement, safety of staff and patients was a priority for the trust, staff were never encouraged to return to work unless it was safe and guidelines were constantly under review.

The spokesperson for the GMB Union told the Chron the concern was around staff who had originally tested positive for Covid-19, self-isolated for a period of time, then given a second test.

"The original advice stated that any staff who were asymptomatic, but tested positive on a second test, were being told to return to work," a spokesperson said.

"This guidance was unique to Northampton General Hospital and went against the Government advice. No research has been produced to evidence the guidance," he added.

"We’re incredibly pleased that the Trust has finally listened to GMB and amended their guidance."

Earlier this evening, Northampton General Hospitals Trust released a statement to say that the safety of staff and patients was a priority.

"There are a number of circumstances when we require staff to self-isolate as a result of COVID-19. Staff are never encouraged to return to work unless it is safe for both them and our patients to do so," the spokesperson said.

"Our guidance remains under constant review. It is agreed with our consultant microbiologist and director of infection prevention and control, and based on research evidence in line with Government and other recommendations," the statement added.

"We are aware that the advice which relates to the repeat testing of asymptomatic staff has caused some concerns and have been in discussion with local staff side representatives.

"As an immediate response to the concerns raised to us we have revised our guidance, which is being reissued today and follows Government and PHE recommendations," the statement said.

Stuart Richards, GMB Union senior organiser, had initially raised the concern with hospital bosses.

Speaking before the hospital revised its guidelines to staff, he said: “This is bizarre behaviour that goes completely against the Government’s clear advice on self-isolation," he said.

“They’re causing confusion at a time when it’s a matter of life-or-death importance to keep things simple.

“GMB Union has had to fight to get adequate PPE for staff and now we’re having to tackle this. As it is, there are nearly 400 staff at Northampton General Hospital have had to self-isolate.

“Forcing people back into work like this is likely to put the workers, their families and the entire community at risk.”