An article published by the i (11/10/23) detailed scientists and healthcare professionals criticizing NHS England’s policy ending routine COVID-19 testing for symptomatic staff. They argue it dangerously puts vulnerable patients at risk.
An NHS trust email told symptomatic staff not to take lateral flow tests, but to stay home if unwell. Official NHS guidance states most symptomatic staff are no longer asked to test. Critics say this guidance jeopardizes immunosuppressed patients, like those in A&E. Requiring positive staff to use personal leave days also discourages testing, when presenteeism drives transmission.
The NHS faces workforce shortages and backlogs, but experts argue this prioritizes short-term needs over safety. Patients express concern about risks in clinics and communal hospital areas. Basic infection controls like handwashing are enforced, yet symptomatic staff can spread COVID-19 to vulnerable patients by not testing. This appears hypocritical to critics.
Experts urge more protections be implemented to safeguard patients, despite NHS workforce challenges. They argue the current guidance and lack of precautions are dangerous and short-sighted.
The full article can be read here.