Government should continue NHS workers' access to Covid tests

Responding to the Prime Minister's statement on the Government's Living with COVID-19 strategy, Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said:

"Health leaders have been clear about the risks of watering down our ability to monitor the spread and evolution of coronavirus and will be disappointed their concerns have not been listened to.

"Of particular concern is the Government’s decision to exclude NHS staff from access to free testing from April. 94% of health leaders we surveyed recently said access to free tests for NHS staff and other key workers should not end.

"Patients, staff and visitors deserve to feel confident that they can access and work in services without risking their own health or causing worry to those around them. This is particularly true for people from clinically vulnerable groups who may already feel sidelined.

"We urge the Government to reconsider its plan with dedicated funding for continued access to Covid tests for all NHS workers in patient-facing roles.

"Also, with mandatory self-isolation due to end, we call on employers to support their employees to make the right decisions if they catch Covid and for the Government to maintain its communications about the recognised public health measures that can keep ourselves and those around us safe."