Three virus testing sites open to key workers in Norfolk

Three testing sites are to be opened to key workers in Norfolk to help people like teachers and supermarket staff get checked for coronavirus.

The sites are at the Norwich Research Park, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn and the James Paget Hospital at Gorleston.

It's hoped a local booking system for employers will make the system more efficient and allow more people to get checked so they and their families can stay at work to support their communities.

Employers or line managers are required to begin the booking process via a local email system. This is to confirm the person is eligible, after which they will be able to make their own appointment. Bookings can be made now.

This new local offer provides an alternative to the national testing offer which has centres at Ipswich, Stansted, Peterborough and elsewhere.

It is recommended that people book into the local system because they will be directed to a local test centre. The national booking system will direct people to one of the national testing centres, none of which are in Norfolk and Waveney. However, the national booking system does also offer a postal home testing service which some people may prefer.

People on the government key workers list should ask their employer or line manager to register by emailing:

NorfolkRegistercovidtesting@nnuh.nhs.uk with their (employer) name, job title and contact number. The registration team will contact them to register the organisation so they key worker can then book an appointment. The employer will be given a unique reference number and the contact details.

People who are confirmed eligible for testing in Norfolk and Waveney will be given an appointment at one of three drive or walk-through centres.

These are at the Centrum centre, close to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn (QEHKL) or at the James Paget University Hospital (JPUH) in Gorleston.

The service is being managed on behalf of all three hospitals by the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Once an employer or line manager has applied on behalf of a key worker and/or their family, they will be issued a unique reference number and further instructions. All applications will be checked to make sure people are well enough to attend a testing centre, and eligible for a test in line with Public Health England guidance.

People will receive their test results within 48 hours or less, either directly or via their employer’s occupational health service, together with initial advice about to what to do next.