xx MAY, 2020

For immediate release

NHS Tayside ready for Test and Protect

NHS Tayside is well prepared to support the Test and Protect programme which launched on 28 May.

The First Minister announced this week that all territorial Boards are undertaking contact tracing for three months for the Test and Protect programme, NHS Scotland’s approach to controlling the spread of coronavirus in the community.

Everyone aged five and over who has COVID-19 symptoms of a new continuous cough, temperature or loss or change in sense of taste or smell should go to NHS Inform online or call 0800 028 2816 to book a test.  

Under the system, people will need to isolate with their household as soon as they have symptoms and, if they have a positive test result, they will be asked to provide details of all recent close contacts to NHS contact tracers.  Those people will be contacted and asked to isolate for 14 days.

NHS Tayside teams have been preparing for this important programme for a number of weeks in readiness for the go live date. Appropriate staff and resources have now been deployed to the programme which is up and running.

Dr Drew Walker, Director of Public Heath with NHS Tayside said, “We have a start-up team of 73 existing staff to available to support the tracing element of Test and Protect. This will enable contact tracing of all positive cases currently diagnosed through NHS Tayside testing facilities and UK Government Testing Centres.

“The team is made up of consultants, clinical co-ordinators, contact tracers and administrative staff. During this first phase of the programme we will also train and work with clinical and non-clinical staff who are currently shielded at home and who can work remotely in readiness for the second phase. We have used predictive modelling to make sure that we can flexibly deploy the necessary workforce in place in Tayside.

“Scotland has developed guidance and tools, including a new digital platform to support contact tracing. We are confident that, along with the national tools, Tayside is putting in place well thought through plans and the necessary workforce to support Test and Protect.”

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138