Community Testing Service Update to Procedure - 15 November 2021
We have been working to improve the Covid testing service here in Orkney for a while now but the recent rise in Covid cases coupled with difficulties in booking tests and obtaining results have meant we brought forward these changes in how we deliver Covid testing. The changes are based on two key principles:
- We want to ensure it’s as easy as possible for the community to get tested
- We want those tests to be processed and the results back as quickly as possible
The following changes will be introduced from Tuesday 16th November at 0830:
The Covid Assessment Centre
The Covid Assessment Centre will now be open from:
- Monday – Friday: 0830 – 1700
- Saturday & Sunday: 0830 – 1100
We do not expect these times to change, these will be the new permanent hours going forward.
To allow us to expand our incoming call capacity we have introduced a new phone number 0300 303 9545 for the Covid Assessment Centre which replaces the current 888211. This new number will prevent previous problems regarding calls dropping out of our system which was a result of the sheer volume of calls that were coming through our switchboard.
The vaccination phone number will remain in place for all vaccination queries, which is 0300 303 5313.
For those with Covid symptoms will no longer need to phone to book a test. Patients will be able to come along to the Covid Assessment Centre (drive to the car park up at the old Macmillan Unit at the Old Balfour Hospital). We will then provide a self-testing PCR kit which you will undertake in your car and hand back for processing. Full instructions will be given and we can assure you the self-tests are as accurate as our staff carrying out the tests.
- For patients who cannot drive to the centre, have additional needs or have concerns about their dexterity and require a staff member to perform your test, you will need to call to book a time slot, you can do this by calling our new number 0300 303 9545.
- For those on ferry linked / outer isles the process remains the same, you will continue to request PCR tests via your local GP.
- For those patients coming in for an elective procedure the process has not changed and this will be co-ordinated as part of your procedure.
The new drive through self-testing service will be available from:
- Monday – Friday: 0900 – 1400
- Saturday & Sunday: 1100 – 1300
However, we will continue to have additional staff available out with these times to provide urgent testing if required. Again, should you have any Covid queries, please call 0300 303 9545.
In addition to these changes, to speed up results being returned we will now be flying samples off island twice each day. These will be tested at the lighthouse lab in Glasgow and results will be sent to patients by text usually within 72 hours, but these can arrive sooner. The new Covid Assessment Centre opening times means that all tests should be off island on the same day the test is performed.
Maureen Firth, Head of Primary Care Services said “We have tried to ensure we are delivering the best possible service to the community. We hope that by introducing this new phone number, everyone will be able to get through to us without any problems or major delays. We also hope the new process of testing will speed up results for those waiting. As with any new procedure there may be small changes that we need to adapt further yet. We will come back and give an update in around 2 weeks to inform you of how things are going.
Finally, our staff are working extremely hard through this first major Covid surge here locally. We are trying to adapt and improve our service for you our valued members of the community. We thank you so much for your continued patience and understanding during this time.”
Additional FAQ’s (information correct at time of publication 15 November 2021):
Q I have a positive LFT. Do I need a PCR and does my household also need a test?
A. Yes you do need a PCR test as does all your household. You all need to immediately self-isolate until you get the PCR result. You must also register your positive Lateral Flow test on the NHS Inform website https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19-report-your-test-result. This will ensure contact tracing will commence prior to your official PCR test result coming back.
Q. I have Covid symptoms. Does my whole household need a test?
A. Yes, we would advise that all members of your household have a test. You all need to immediately self-isolate until you get the PCR results.
Q I have been contact traced. I have carried out an LFT and it is negative. Do I need a PCR test?
A Yes you do still require a PCR test. It will however only be the actual person who was contact traced who will require the PCR test and who will be required to self-isolate. It is only if this test result comes back positive this will then start a further contact tracing process which will require other members of the household to be tested and at that point to self-isolate.
It is important to note that current guidance recommends that patients get tested at the earliest opportunity. This can occasionally mean that patients, while testing negative, can go on then to develop symptoms. We would recommend that if you have had a PCR test, that as an additional precaution, that you carry out LFT’s every second day for a period of 10 days. If you develop further symptoms you may require a further PCR test.
A link to a video on how to perform a self PCR test can be found here https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-do-a-pcr-test-at-home.