Health and social care staff working in Somerset can be tested for coronavirus at four sites across the county thanks to a cross employer initiative from Somerset County Council, Somerset CCG and Somerset NHS Trusts.
Over 340 health and social care providers in Somerset have access to the service which is available for staff who are symptomatic or who are self-isolating due to a family member showing symptoms.
The four drive-through testing sites are Bridgwater Community Hospital, Yeovil District Hospital, Bridgwater and Taunton College and Shepton Mallet Community Hospital and open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Bridgwater and Yeovil are also open on Saturdays.
UNISON South West regional secretary Joanne Kaye said:
“This initiative is a great example of employers working together to solve a problem. After PPE, lack of testing is one of the biggest concerns our frontline members are raising through our regional Help Hub.
“Making testing widely available, regardless of employer, will significantly help Somerset respond to the ongoing pandemic by ensuring staff are clear on when they need to self-isolate and when they’ll be safe to return to work.”
