Key worker testing for Covid-19

The NHS in Norfolk and Waveney is offering local coronavirus tests to key workers* such as teachers or food industry staff, to help them remain in work and continue to support their communities. This also applies to members of their household who may have coronavirus symptoms causing the key worker to self-isolate.

Employers or line managers are required to begin the booking process via a local email system. This is to confirm the person is eligible, after which they will be able to make their own appointment.

Testing will take place at three locations Norfolk and Waveney:

• The Centrum centre, close to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH)
• The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn (QEHKL)
• The James Paget University Hospital (JPUH) in Gorleston.

Appointments for these locations can only be made via the local booking service.

If you wish to be tested at any of the national drive-through testing centres, such as Ipswich, Stansted, Peterborough and elsewhere, then you must use the national booking service. For self-referrals, this is via https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk

To book using the Norfolk and Waveney service:

People on the government key workers* list should ask their employer or line manager to register by emailing NorfolkRegistercovidtesting@nnuh.nhs.uk with their (employer) name, job title and contact number. The registration team will contact them to register the organisation so they key worker can then book an appointment. The employer will be given a unique reference number and further instructions.

All applications will be checked to make sure people are well enough to attend a testing centre, and eligible for a test in line with Public Health England guidance.

People will receive their test results within 48 hours or less, either directly or via their employer’s occupational health service, together with initial advice about to what to do next. The service is being managed collaboratively on behalf of all three hospitals by the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

* Key workers include many people working in education, transport, many public services, energy, power and water/sewerage workers, and those working to provide, distribute or sell food. The precise definition is available on this government web page: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested#key-workers

John Webster, an Executive Director with NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Our local hospitals have worked together to significantly expand community NHS coronavirus testing.”

This major boost to Covid-19 testing is thanks to the help of scientists at Norwich Research Park. The NHS is working in partnership with the Earlham Institute, John Innes Centre, The Sainsbury Laboratory, Quadram Institute Bioscience, the University of East Anglia, Eastern Pathology Alliance and the Cotman Centre.

Sam Higginson, NNUH Chief Executive, said: “This new testing scheme for key workers is an important development in the fight against Covid-19 and demonstrates the excellent partnership working between the NHS and scientific organisations on the Norwich Research Park.”