Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for hospices

Introduction

FromNHS 4Test Apriland 2022,Trace the government will continue to fund targeted testing, prioritising groups most at risk of infection, whilst reducing testing requirements where possible to ease the additional burden.

UKHSA is continuingmaking to make twice weekly COVID-19 testing available to all hospicehospices staff in England, Wales and Northern IrelandIreland. during periods of high prevalence. Separate arrangements are in place for hospices in Scotland.

All registered hospices have been contacted with details of how to apply for test kits for their staff and patients. Hospices will be responsible for ordering test kits for both ‘inpatient’ and ‘community-based’ settings. Different testing routes apply depending on where the testing will be carried out, and these routes are described in detail in this document.

We will also cover rapid testing for visitors and visiting professionals for inpatient hospice settings.

Why testing is important

Testing:

• protects your patients, staff and visitors

• prevents and controls outbreaks by identifying cases early

• provides reassurance, allowing those who test negative to carry on working​

Staff with symptoms should not be in work.

We need to carry on testing, and self-isolating if needed, regardless of the vaccine roll-out programme.

Webinars

For more information you can watch our recorded webinars.

1. Summary: testing for hospices

1.1 Types of COVID-19 test

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are over 99% effective and pick up positive results at early and late stages of infection.the virus. Completed tests are sent to a lab for processing.

Rapid lateral flow tests are effective at detecting virus in those with high levels of coronavirus in their system. Results are given within 30 minutes and kits do not need to be sent to labs for processing.

1.2 About the service

FromThe 4 April 2022, this service now covers testing3 for:individual elements:

• asymptomatic

  inpatient hospice testing for– where hospice staff,staff bothlook inpatientafter andpatients communityon site

• inpatient

  community-based hospice testing for– where hospice staff visit patients whoin showtheir COVID-19own symptomshomes

• rapid

  visitor responsetesting testing,– infor thetesting instancevisitors, ofincluding anvisiting outbreak

• limitedprofessionals testingsuch foras visitorsfaith wholeaders, providebefore personalthey carecome forinto contact with staff or patients in a hospice

1.3Regular Staffasymptomatic Testingtesting for hospices in England

1.3.1 AsymptomaticStaff

FromAll 4 April 2022, all hospice staff should test with:

• 1 rapidpolymerase lateralchain flowreaction device (LFDPCR) test atevery week

• 1 rapid lateral flow test on the beginningsame ofday everyas workingthe weekPCR

• 1 LFDrapid lateral flow test midweek, 3 to 4 days after their initial LFDPCR test

ThisStaff, includeswhether allworking staffon andan individualsin-patient whounit haveor previouslyin beenthe includedcommunity, inmust thetake staffa numbers,rapid forlateral exampleflow patient-facingtest volunteersbefore whostarting werework includedif returning from leave or if they have worked somewhere else in between. If a staff testingmember numbers.

Stafftests returningpositive from leavea mustrapid ensurelateral thatflow test, they restartmust weeklyisolate testing.in line with the stay-at-home guidance.

1.3.2 SymptomaticPatients

AnyoneInpatients whoadmitted hasto symptomsa ofhospice ashould respiratorybe infectiontested andwith aone highPCR temperature,on oradmission symptoms(if ofappropriate), aand respiratoryad infectionhoc andif doesrequired not(if feelthey wellare enoughpresenting tosymptoms).

Patient-facing work,volunteers

This guidance is advisedonly tofor staypatient-facing atvolunteers, homewho andcome avoidinto direct contact or carry out support work with otherhospice people.patients.

HospiceAll staffpatient-facing whovolunteers areworking concernedat theyyour mayhospice beshould experiencingtest symptomsthemselves ofwith:

• 1 COVID-19polymerase arechain ablereaction to(PCR) accesstest LFDevery week

• 1 rapid lateral flow test on the same day as the PCR

• 1 testsrapid (freelateral testsflow aretest providedmidweek, for3 symptomaticto testing4 anddays staffafter shouldtheir ensurePCR theytest

You havecan someprovide attest homekits for thispatient-facing purpose).volunteers Hospiceusing staffyour whocurrent havestock symptoms of atest respiratorykits infectionprovided by NHS Test and whoTrace.

Please havealso aensure highyour temperature,patient-facing orvolunteers staffregister whotheir havetest symptomskits ofthe asame respiratoryway infectionas andstaff, dousing notthe feelhospice’s wellUnique enoughOrganisation Number (UON).

If you need to work,order shouldmore staytest awaykits fromfor workpatient-facing andvolunteers conductat anyour LFDhospice, testyou oncan order them by adding the daynumber theyof startvolunteers to feelthe unwell‘number (dayof 0).

Ifstaff’ thisin testthe resultordering isportal. negative,Please theydouble-check shouldyour takestock anotherlevels testbefore 48you hoursorder.

If later,you continuingare going to stayneed awaymore fromtest workkits duringfor thispatient-facing 48-hourvolunteers period.than Ifyou theare secondable testto isorder, alsoplease negative,call they119 canand returnask for your staff numbers to workbe ifupdated. wellYou enoughwill need to dogive so.

Ifboth eitherthe number of thestaff testand resultsthe arenumber positive,of thenpatient-facing theyvolunteers. You should followonly theorder guidanceadditional test kits for staffvolunteers who testare positive.actively working with patients at your hospice.

FurtherPatient-facing informationvolunteers onwho come into the symptomshospice ofonce a respiratoryweek infectionor andless whatshould tobe dotested ifas a staffvisitor memberwould, iswith concerneda theylateral mayflow betest experiencingeither symptomson entry or on the day of COVID-19their canvisit beat foundhome in(with theevidence COVID-19of supplementa negative result).

Other volunteers

In order to theprotect infectionlab preventioncapacity and controlprioritise resourceprotecting forthe adultmost socialvulnerable, care.

Furthernon-patient-facing informationvolunteers on(such readingas LFDshop, resultsadministration canand bemaintenance foundvolunteers) inshould sectionorder 4their own free packs of thisrapid documentlateral flow tests to be sent to their home via GOV.UK.

1.4Visitor Patient Testingtesting

1.4.1 On admission

PatientsVisitors withmust conduct a scheduledlateral dateflow oftest admissionon arrival to athe hospice asor anthe inpatientday fromof the communityplanned orvisit aand careshow settingproof willof bethis eligibleto forthe ahospice PCRbefore testthe 72visit hoursgoes beforeahead. admissionVisitors (ifshould appropriate)test andon aneach LFDday testthey onvisit the dayhospice, regardless of admission.how recently the previous visit took place.

IfMore inpatientsinformation cannoton bevisitor testedtesting withcan abe PCRfound testin (forsection example,4 unplannedof orthis urgentguidance.

Rapid admissions,response ortesting iffor theyhospices havein testedEngland

If a positive incase theis lastidentified 90in days)a thenhospice ansetting LFD(from a PCR or rapid lateral flow test), all staff should undertake daily rapid lateral flow test ontesting admissionfor is7 sufficient.days.

PatientsAny admittedindividual towho atests hospicepositive settingwith froma anlateral NHSflow hospitaltest willduring bethe givenrapid aresponse PCRtesting testmust byisolate thein NHSline hospitalwith onthe discharge.stay-at-home guidance.

1.4.2 Symptomatic

PatientsIn showingaddition symptomsto ofthis, aif respiratoryany infectionpositive andcases found in a highhospice temperature,(either PCR or symptomsrapid oflateral aflow respiratorytest), infectionthe hospice manager should contact their local health protection team (HPT) immediately, and dofollow notthe feeladvice wellgiven.

Regular enoughasymptomatic totesting takefor parthospices in usualWales, activitiesScotland shouldand beNorthern testedIreland

Wales:

• all withstaff oneonce LFDa testweek onusing thea dayPCR thetest

• patients symptomsupon showadmission (day(if 0).appropriate)

ForNorthern guidanceIreland:

• all onstaff howonce toa manageweek patientsusing whoa mayPCR betest

• patients displayingupon symptomsadmission of(if COVID-19,appropriate)

• all andvisitors how to managehospices thosewill thatbe testoffered positive,twice followweekly theself-testing advice(in giventhe invisitors’ theown COVID-19homes) supplementusing tolateral theflow infectiondevices

Scotland: preventiontesting andis controldelivered resourcelocally forthrough adultthe sociallocal care.NHS.

1.5Unique Visitororganisation testingnumber (UON)

• FromNHS 4Test Apriland 2022,Trace visitorsassigns toall hospicesparticipating areorganisations noa longersingle requiredunique toorganisation test.number We(UON)

• Managers askwill thatreceive visitorstheir takeUON via the necessaryregistered precautionsemail toaddress. keepPlease themselvesmake andsure lovedthat onesthe safe,person inwho linereceives withthese guidanceemails forunderstands the generalimportance population.

  Thereof willthis bemessage aand smallknows allocationwho ofto LFDcontact

• A UON testsis availablean for8-digit visitorsnumber whothat provideis close,exclusive personalto carean toindividual patients.organisation These– teststhis willcan be allocatedused atto thelogin hospiceto manager’sall discretion,online dependentelements onof the kindtesting ofprocess

Managers carewill thatneed isto beinguse provided.their MoreUON informationfor:

• ordering ontest visitorkits

• contacting testingthe cannational becoronavirus foundcontact incentre sectionfor 4support of(dial this119)

Staff guidance.will Testingneed isto availableuse fortheir CareUON Qualityfor:

• registering Commissioncompleted (CQC)test Inspectors,kits socialto workers,make Personalsure Assistants,they andwill Sharedreceive Livestheir carersresults

If whichyou canhave beany orderedissues individuallywith fromthis gov.uk.process, please call 119.

Self-isolation guidance for staff who test positive

VisitsThere tohas thosebeen ata change to the veryself-isolation endguidance. ofFor life,staff thatwho is,have intested positive, hospices are now advised to follow the lastupdated fewguidance daysfor orthe hoursmanagement of lifeexposed shouldstaff continueand topatients beor supportedresidents in allhealth circumstances.and social care settings.

1.6Testing Rapidwithin response90 testingdays forof hospicesa inpositive EnglandPCR result

IfFrom one11 orJanuary more2022, positiveanyone caseswho (staffhas ortested patient)within are90 identifieddays inof a hospice,positive thePCR hospiceor willlateral beflow abletest should continue to accessundertake regular asymptomatic rapid responselateral LFDflow tests forduring allthis staff.time.

Staff Hospicewho staffhave workingtested positive in the settinglast over90 thedays rapidshould responsecontinue periodto shouldbe conductexempt dailyfrom rapidregular LFDasymptomatic PCR testingtesting, everyapart dayfrom in certain circumstances, such as if they arebecome workingsymptomatic.

The forguidance 5on dayswhat fromtesting theto daydo thewithin 90 days of a positive casePCR iscan identified.be Stafffound notin workingthe duringmanagement thisof periodstaff doand notexposed needresidents toguidance test.

Anyin staffsection member4, whoRepeat teststesting positivefor shouldCOVID-19.

Self-isolation guidance stayfor atfully homevaccinated andcontacts tryof anda avoidpositive contactcase

From with14 otherDecember people.2021, Staffdaily shouldtesting notfor returncontacts toof workCOVID-19 until(DTCC) theyis havebeing hadintroduced twofor consecutiveclose negativecontacts testwho results.are fully vaccinated.

There localcontinue healthto protectionbe teamadditional (HPT)requirements immediately,in place for health and followsocial thecare advicestaff given.

Hospicewho settingsare willidentified beas ablea toclose ordercontact ‘outbreakof kits’someone aswith anCOVID-19. optionHospice onpatients theare testgenerally kithighly orderingvulnerable portal.

1.7to RegularCOVID-19, therefore asymptomaticthere are further risk testingmitigations in place for hospicesstaff intesting Wales,in hospices. ScotlandFully vaccinated health and Northerncare Ireland

Wales:

• allworkers staffwithout oncesymptoms awho weekare usingidentified as close contacts should attend work, subject to:  

  1. Taking a PCR test

  2. patients uponand admissionnot (ifattending appropriate)

Northernwork Ireland:

• alluntil staffthey oncehave had a weeknegative usingresult. Staff working in the sector would be expected to continue working following a negative PCR test, test
• patientsunless uponthey admissionbecome (if appropriate)symptomatic.

• all

  When visitorsreturning to hospiceswork willfollowing bea offerednegative twicePCR weeklytest, self-testingstaff (inmust thetest visitors’daily ownwith homes)a usingrapid LFDlateral tests

Scotland:flow testingtest is(and deliveredreceive locallya throughnegative theresult) localfor NHS.

1.8up Guidanceto for10 staffdays whofollowing testtheir positive

Forlast staffcontact whowith havethe testedcase. positive,This hospicesincludes the days they are advisednot toat followwork.

It theis guidancerecognised forthat peopledespite withhospice symptomspatients ofbeing ahighly respiratoryvulnerable, infectionworkforce includingsize COVID-19.and Inpressures additionmay mean it is difficult to this,redeploy staff shouldaway notfrom attenddirect workpatient untilcontact theyduring havethis had10-day twoperiod consecutivewithout negativecompromising LFDservice testprovision. results,Compromised theyservices mean that feelfewer well,patients, andall doof notwhom have acomplex highneeds temperature.

Theand firstmost LFDof testwhom shouldare bein takenthe 5last daysweeks afteror daydays 0of (thetheir life, daywould symptomsnot startedget andthe or/whenpalliative care they testedneed. positive),Registered themanagers secondand testsenior medical staff should betherefore takencarry 24out hoursa afterrisk theassessment, first.on Ifa bothcase-by-case LFDbasis, testto resultsdetermine arewhether negative,it theyis mayappropriate returnfor that member of staff to work immediatelyin afterdirect thecontact secondwith negativepatients.

Decisions LFDon testwhether resultstaff (ifshould symptomsreturn haveto resolved).

Ifwork afollowing staffexposure member’sto LFDCOVID-19 testshould resultbe remainsclinically positivebased afterand 10weigh days,up theythe shouldrisks continueand tobenefits takefor dailyeach LFDpatient, tests.their Theyfamily canand returnthe tofunctioning workof afterthe ahospice.

Self-isolation singleis negativestill LFDrequired while awaiting PCR test result.results. 

TheIf likelihooda ofstaff amember has tested positive LFDfor testCOVID-19 afterin 14the dayspast is90 considerablydays, lower.they Ifshould thenot staffhave member’sa LFDPCR test isand stillshould positiveonly onundertake daydaily 14,lateral theyflow candevice stopantigen dailytests testingfor andthis returnpurpose.

For patients and visitors to workhospices, onthis change dayto self-isolation policy means:  

• patients 15.in Ahospices should riskbe assessmentexempt shouldfrom beself-isolation carriedfollowing outa andnegative considerationPCR giventest toand redeployment.

  Fordaily staffrapid wholateral testflow positivetests between(if daysdaily 10tests andare 14deemed appropriate) and whocan docontinue notto havereceive avisitors highunless temperaturethere oris feelan unwell,outbreak

• visitors managersto canhospices undertakeare aadvised riskagainst assessmentvisiting withif thethey vieware toa themcontact returningunless to work.
  necessary

1.9

It Testingis withinrecognised 90that dayseven ofin atimes positiveof result

Staffoutbreak whoor havewhere testedsomeone positivewishing withinto thevisit lasthas 90been daysidentified shouldas continuea toclose undertakecontact, regularthere asymptomaticmay rapidbe lateralexceptional flowcircumstances testswhich duringmean thisthat time.

Advicevisits onmay testingstill patientsbe onfacilitated, admissionfor whoexample havewhen testeda positiveperson withis athought PCRto testbe in the last 90few days canof betheir foundlife. inIn thethese patientcases, testinga sectionrisk ofassessment thisshould document.

2.be Orderingcarried testout kits

2.1by Uniquehospice organisationstaff numberand (UON)

• NHSarrangements Testmade andto Traceaccommodate assignssafe allvisiting participatingif organisationspossible.

  Where avisits singledo uniqueoccur, organisationvisitors numbershould (UON)

• managersprovide willproof receiveof theira UONnegative PCR viaresult, theand registereda emailnegative address.rapid Pleaselateral makeflow suretest thatresult on the personday whoof receivestheir visit. However, thesein exceptional emailscircumstances understands– thewhere importancefor ofexample a thispatient messageis rapidly deteriorating towards end of life and knowsthere whois insufficient time for the visitor to contact
• conduct a UONPCR istest an– 8-digita numberhospice thatshould isconduct exclusive to an individual organisationrisk –assessment thisand consider whether the visit can bego usedahead towithout logina toPCR allresult onlinewith elementsadditional ofprecautions, theincluding testinga negative rapid process

lateral flow test result.  

ManagersSettings willmust needcontinue toto follow useother theirprecautions UONto for:

• orderingminimise testrisk kits
• contactingof theinfection nationalincluding coronaviruswearing contactthe centrecorrect forPPE supportappropriately (dialin 119)

Staffaccordance willwith needthe tocurrent infection useand theirprevention UONcontrol (IPC) for:guidance. 

• registering

  For completedmore testinformation kitson tothe makeself-isolation surepolicy, theysee willCOVID-19: receivemanagement theirof results

Ifstaff youand haveexposed anypatients issuesand withresidents thisin process,health pleaseand callsocial 119.care settings.

2. of 10 PCR testskits

Ordering attest akits

You will need:

• your UON

• the total number of ‘staff’ and ‘patients’ for testing (‘staff’ only for community hospices)

Enter the number of staff who require testing, and the number of inpatient beds for the number of non-staff.

2.2

Hospices in England can also order rapid lateral flow tests. These will be provided in boxes of 7.

Once you have placed an order, you will receive a confirmatory email from organisation.coronavirus.testing@notifications.service.gov.uk.

Preparation

You will receive an email from organisation.coronavirus.testing@notifications.service.gov.uk who will confirm the estimated delivery date.

Test kits will be delivered to the registered address. It is their responsibility to accept delivery of kits and arrange for dispatchdespatch or collection. Re-ordering should be done on a monthly basis.

Distributing test kits to staff who are testing remotely

EachOnce hospicekits willhave receivebeen enoughdelivered LFDit testsis forthe eachmanager’s staffresponsibility memberto distribute to conductstaff 2or testsarrange perfor week.collection. YouStaff willcan alsopick beup sentkits enoughat LFDthe same time as other materials (for example, personal protective equipment (PPE) testsor toother conductmedical symptomaticsupplies).

Each testingmember onof staff should receive 4 PCR kits and patients.(if in England) 2 boxes of 7 rapid lateral flow test kits every 28 days so that weekly testing can continue without interruption.

2.3 Capturing important information before distributing rapid lateral flow test kits

It’s important that you capture the following details before distributing LFDrapid lateral flow test kits to staff or visitors:

• name, phone number and email address of each staff member or visitor receiving the box or boxes
• details of the lot or batch number of each LFDrapid lateral flow home test kit given to each staff member or visitor. The lot number is found on the side of each box. It is 8 characters long: one letter followed by 7 numbers
• date of issue to user and number of test kits provided

3. PCR Test Kits

3.1 Conducting PCR tests

PCRStaff testswill should be reserved for new patients admitted from the community. Patients should conduct a combined throat and nose self-swab for the test.

Follow the instructional video on how to do a throat and nasal swab.

3.2

Always leave 7 days between tests where possible. Additionally, continue testing at home if on holiday (in the UK) or off work due to any illness which is not related to coronavirus.

Registering PCR tests

You will need:

• your UON

• the barcode number of the test kit you’re registering

• the email address and mobile phone number to which the test results should be sent

• the patient’spatient or staff member’s personal details

3.3Registering Returningmultiple tests at once

From 1 July 2021, you can use the new version of the record-keeping multiple registration spreadsheet. The updated spreadsheet will let you register both PCR test kits and rapid lateral flow tests at the same time.

Ensure you only use the most recent version of the multiple upload spreadsheet to register coronavirus tests for your organisation.

You can register up to 100 tests on the spreadsheet. You’ll need to complete separate spreadsheets for staff and non-staff.

Organisations can still upload their testing data using the self-registration route. This is an additional option and does not replace the self-reporting routes.

You will need to read the guidance and download the multiple registration spreadsheet to record the details of people you’ve tested for coronavirus on that day.

Use the test kits for organisations service to register:

• PCR tests (one by postone)
• multiple PCR tests (using the multiple upload spreadsheet)
• multiple lateral flow tests (using the multiple upload spreadsheet)

Return box tracking

EachWatch a video demonstration of return box tracking.

Please see a 2-page document which explains the Return box tracking process (PDF, 399 KB, 2 pages).

Benefits of using return box tracking:

• saves you time as you do not have to make up smaller boxes for returning individual test kits – test kits can be placed directly into the box in sample bags

• NHS Test and Trace can track your samples from when they are collected and leave your premises

• NHS Test and Trace can better manage test kit volumes across the network of laboratories

• reduces cardboard waste

• reduces the number of missing tests

Key changes:

• new outer return boxes with attached barcode, for packing up to 50 individual test kits

• no need to use individual test kit boxes – test kits can go directly into outer boxes

• write the number of test kits inside the box onto the outer return box

You can order outer return boxes from the same portal you order test kits from.

When registering your test kits please ensure you capture the outer return box barcode for every kit you pack into the box.

For single registration, complete the process as normal until you reach the screen “Do you have the outer return box barcode?”. Confirm if you have an outer return box and enter the barcode on the dark blue label on the box. You will need to complete this step for every person you are registering.

For multiple registration, make sure you record the outer return box barcode on the “Box Barcode” column of the multiple upload sheet.

Download the spreadsheet

Returning PCR test kits by courier

Return Box Tracking only applies if you return completed test kits by courier. Inpatient hospices returning more than 8 PCR kits should bereturn returnedthem via courier using the outer return box.

The easiest way to ensure your package is safe is to use these outer return boxes labelled UN3373 and ensure the laboratorybox is made up correctly and the test kits are securely packaged inside.

Booking your courier

You will need your UON and post code to book a courier. You must book for next day before 7pm.

You can specify pick-up slots when you book the courier online. Subject to availability you can choose from:

• 9am to 1pm

• 2pm to 6pm

• 4pm to 9pm

If your courier does not arrive at the booked time, call 119. Do not contact the courier direct.

Returning PCR test kits by post

Staff testing remotely, or inpatient hospices returning fewer than 8 tests should return test kits via a Royal Mail priority box.box:

• Each test kit contains a pre-paid return label

• Attach the label to the outside of the delivery packaging next to the security seal

• If you do not have enough return labels, call 119

Only use a Royal Mail priority post box. It will be labelled with the priority box sign and one of the regional NHS logos.

Find your nearest priority post box and its collection times.

3.4 Receiving PCR test results

The patientperson tested will receive:

• an email

• a text message (if a mobile phone number was provided at registration)

The results will also include guidance on next steps for the patientperson tested. Staff should inform their employer of a positive result immediately. After testing positive, you do not need to test again with a PCR for 90 days unless you become symptomatic; however, you can continue to test with rapid flow tests. For further information see the management of exposed staff and patients guidance.

Find out what to do when you get your results

4.3. LFDRapid lateral flow test kits

4.1Using the test kits for staff

Staff members will conduct a combined throat and nose self-swab for the test. Follow the instructional video on how to do a COVID-19 self test (rapid antigen test).

Reading your result

If a staff member receives a negative result with ana LFDrapid lateral flow test and remains without symptoms,symptoms they can continue working. Staff members must continue following all infection prevention and control (IPC) measures such as wearing PPE, washing theiryour hands,hands and socially distancing where possible.

If any staff member tests positive, they shouldwill followneed theto guidanceself-isolate aboveimmediately in thisline documentwith forthe stay-at-home guidance.

If a staff whomember develops new COVID-19 symptoms within the 90-day window, they should apply for a COVID-19 test positivethrough regular testing channels.

4.2 Registering your result

Every LFDrapid lateral flow test must be registered online once completed.

Complete the registration as soon as the test result is determined. You need the ID number on the test strip to register the result.

Register your result here: Report a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test result.

When using the online form, there is the option to create a user account. When you create a user account, you link your email address to your personal details. After you register your first rapid lateral flow test using your user account, your personal details will be saved, and you will not have to re-enter them when you register in future.

Creating an account should take about 2 minutes and will save about 5 minutes each time you register a test in the future.

Individuals or visitors reporting rapid lateral flow test results can sign in to an NHS account to report tests quicker and also use the digital read service.

To register a test:

1. Enter who you are reporting for.
2. Select whether you would like to sign in or create an account or continue without an account.
3. Follow the step-by-step instructions for creating an account (if required).
4. Enter why you took the test (select testing for ‘a social care service’).
5. Enter your role.
6. Select ‘I work in an adult social care service’.
7. Enter your UON.
8. Select the appropriate country for where you live.
9. Select the date of the test.
10. Enter the test kit ID number (which can be found via the QR code).
11. Add in the result of the test.

4.3 Digital reader

You are able to use the digital reader for reading lateral flow test results via the self-report journey. For detailed information, please visit the Digital reader guide (PDF,(PDF, 2.25 MB,MB, 6 pages).pages).

5.4. Visitor testing

IndividualsVisitors who have been identified as providing personal care and therefore have access to testing must conduct ana LFDlateral flow test on arrival to the hospice onor the day of the planned visit and show proof of this to the hospice before the visit goes ahead. Visitors should test on each day they visit the hospice, regardless of how recently the previous visit took place.

5.1

When you order, sufficient quantities of lateral flow tests will be provided to test 10 visitors or visiting professionals per patient per week (suggested split 8 visitors and 2 visiting professionals).

On-site testing (including for visitors and people living in the setting)

See COVID-19Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for adult social care servicessettings for full details of how to conduct on-site testing.

5.2Self-test Visitor(visitor testtesting resultsat home)

5.2.1Before Negativeyou start testing

VisitorsConduct whoa arerapid providinglateral personalflow caretest shouldon havethe day of your visit to a negativehospice COVID-19to lateralhelp flowkeep testothers resultsafe, fromreduce the spread of coronavirus and prevent outbreaks.

Hospices can provide you with a box of rapid lateral flow devicetests beforeto enteringtake andat shouldhome. wearFind appropriateout PPEmore forabout the task,different unlessways medicallyto exempt.access Therapid visitorcoronavirus shouldtesting.

To ensure that your test is linked to the hospice you’re visiting, ensure all tests are reported to their UON. How to do this is detailed below.

You must be encouragedable to wearshow astaff facethe masktext in(SMS) anymessage communalor areasemail from NHS Test and complyTrace withas otherevidence IPCof measuresa asnegative advisedtest.

It byis at the discretion of the setting duringmanager theirwhether visit.they wish to accept visitors who have self-tested at home.

Registering visitor rapid lateral flow tests

IndividualsEvery whorapid arelateral symptomaticflow and/ortest feelingmust unwellbe shouldregistered notonline visitonce evencompleted.

Complete ifthe theyregistration as soon as the test negativeresult foris COVID-19,determined. areYou fullyneed vaccinatedthe andID havenumber receivedon theirthe booster.test Transmissiblestrip virusesto suchregister asthe flu,result.

When respiratoryusing syncytialthe virusonline (RSV)form, andthere norovirusis canthe beoption justto ascreate dangerousa user account. When you create a user account, you link your email address to hospiceyour patientspersonal asdetails. COVID-19.After Ifyou visitorsregister haveyour anyfirst symptomsrapid thatlateral suggestflow othertest transmissibleusing virusesyour user account, your personal details will be saved, and infections,you suchwill asnot cough,have highto temperature,re-enter diarrhoeathem orwhen vomiting,you theyregister in future. Creating an account should avoidtake visitingabout if2 possible,minutes untiland atwill leastsave about 5 daysminutes aftereach theytime feelyou better.register a test in the future.

Registration step by step for visitors

1. VisitsVisit atReport thea veryCOVID-19 endrapid oflateral life,flow thattest is,result.

2. Select the‘Myself’ lastwhen fewasked dayswho oryou hoursare ofreporting lifea shouldresult continuefor.

3. You can choose to becontinue supported‘without inan allaccount’ circumstances.or Additional‘create IPCan measures,account’. forCreating examplean providingaccount PPEwill save your details each time you report a test result. Creating an account only takes 2 minutes and allowingyou’ll visitorssave to5 gominutes directlywhen toreporting theeach patient’stest roomresult.

4. If continuing without accessingan anyaccount, communalselect, areas,‘A willsocial helpcare reduceservice’ transmission.when asked who the test was for.

   5.2.2

5. Select Invalid‘I’m visiting someone who gets care or void support’.

6. IfEnter athe visitorUON isof unablethe care setting you are intending to producevisit. evidenceThis should already have been provided to you by the setting manager.

7. Check the details of athe negativeorganisation test,are theycorrect.

8. Tell mayus when the test was taken. (This should always be asked‘today’ as visitors to reschedule.adult Thissocial iscare atsettings themust discretionshow proof of a negative test conducted on the hospicesame manager.day Asas above,their individualsvisit).

9. Enter whothe ID number printed on the plastic test strip. You can also scan the QR code on the test strip if you are symptomaticusing ora feelingmobile unwelldevice.

10. Follow shouldthe notremaining visitsteps, entering your personal details to complete your report.

11. You will receive a text message and email from NHS Test and Trace confirming your test result has been reported. You must take one of these with you to the setting.setting you are visiting, as proof of a negative result.

5.2.3

Visitor Positivetest results

Negative

ItThe isvisitor advisedcan thatcontinue visitorswith whothe testvisit positiveif followother theIPC guidancemeasures forare peopleadhered withto. symptomsThe visitor should only enter designated parts of athe respiratorysetting infectionand must wear appropriate PPE including COVID-19.a face mask, gloves, apron and follow IPC measures in line with the national policy. IPC measures remain important because the test is not 100% sensitive.

Invalid or void

VisitsThe atvisitor will need to re-test using a spare rapid lateral flow test kit to receive a conclusive result. If the veryre-test endcomes ofback life,as invalid, we recommend that is,you do not allow the lastvisitor fewto dayscomplete orthe hoursvisit as planned, but this is at the discretion of lifethe shouldhospice continuemanager.

Positive

A topositive berapid supportedlateral flow test result requires self-isolation in allline circumstances.with the stay-at-home guidance.

Support and resources

Coronavirus testing contact centre

Call 119. Lines are open from 7am to 11pm daily.

After selecting your country, language requirements and data preferences, press ‘1’ for calling from an organisation who receives test kits directly from the national testing programme.

Consent form templates that can be used for staff and patients have been shared with local authorities.

Guidance on testing people who lack mental capacity

Learning disability-specific guidance:

• Having a swab test taken (video)

• COVID-19: supporting adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults

Easy reads on coronavirus and testing:

• COVID-19 PCR home test kit instructions