31 March 2020
Covid-19 Testing for Frontline NHS Staff Will Ensure GPs Can Provide Care When They Are Well, Says RCGP
The RCGP has responded to the Government's launch of coronavirus tests for frontline NHS staff.
Dr Jonathan Leach, Joint Honorary Secretary Royal College of GPs, said: "The College has been calling for the testing of frontline NHS staff since the outbreak of COVID-19 so we welcome this move. GPs and their teams are committed to delivering care to patients in these challenging circumstances, but they must be well enough to do so, and this new measure will help make that possible.
"As well as reducing doubt and anxiety for frontline healthcare professionals, it will provide reassurance for patients who are, understandably, extremely worried about the current situation.
"We have heard from numerous GPs and members of the wider practice team who were self-isolating due to COVID-19 but wanted to be tested because they felt well enough to work.
"At a time when we need all hands-on deck, we hope that this roll-out of testing frontline NHS staff will increase the capacity of general practice and the wider NHS during the pandemic so that patients can continue to receive the care they need."
Further Information
RCGP Press office: 020 3188 7494/7633/7574/7575
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk
Notes
The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 53,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.