Rapid covid testing for Devon care homes

Visitor tests bring "glimpse of hope"

A care home testing pilot has "brought hope and a glimpse of the new normal" across Devon, according to a leading Devon councillor, with the hope all care homes will have rapid testing in place by Christmas.

Eight care homes across the county are taking part in the trial for relatives to visit their loved ones indoors without a screen, subject to the results of a rapid covid-19 test.

Regular testing has been offered to one family member or friend per resident, which – when combined with other infection-control measures such as PPE – will support meaningful visits. The trial runs until 13 December after which the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will evaluate the pilot. The DHSC then plans to lead a phased rolling out of visitor testing to care homes all homes have this in place in time for Christmas.

Cllr Andrew Leadbetter, cabinet member for adult social care and health services, told Devon County councillors, that: "relatives and residents have been very emotional with the pilot bringing hope and a glimpse of the new normal."

He said that of the first 30 visitors who had been tested, one visitor tested positive and went home to isolate while awaiting the result of the test, while one visitor refused testing because they didn’t feel comfortable.

Cllr Roger Croad, cabinet member for community and public health, added that Devon currently has the fourth lowest care home infection rate among local authorities in the south west.

Cllr Rob Hannaford, leader of the Labour group, who had asked for the cabinet member reports on the outcomes of the new care home testing pilot scheme in Devon, said: “Our local care homes have worked so hard to try and keep their residents and staff safe through the pandemic, and have shown huge dedication and compassion in the face of the crisis.

“I welcome the fact that we were chosen as a pilot area, and really hope that we can learn from the exercise looking to the future, allowing loved ones better access, so that they can spend precious time together, and when the time comes to say their goodbyes in timely and proper manner.

“The next massive challenge will be to ensure the full expansion of the vaccination programme to each and every care home that we have in Devon to support this vital part of our society.”