How well has Test and Trace worked in Hartlepool?
and live on Freeview channel 276
Data from the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) shows 190 people who tested positive for Covid-19 in the area were transferred to the Test and Trace service between May 28 and September 9 – leading to 435 close contacts being identified.
But the figures reveal 141 – 32% – of these could not be reached by contact tracers and directed to a call centre or online.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe DHSC says a close contact is deemed to be ‘not reached’ when there is no response to text, email or call reminders, or when their communication details were not available.
Across England 64% of close contacts were reached and told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace in the week to September 9 and the Government has faced mounting pressure over failings in the system.
Saffron Cordery, chief executive of NHS Providers, said this falls "well short" of the 80% target.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdShe said: “Trust leaders are increasingly concerned with the current testing shortages impacting on NHS service recovery and winter preparations due to staff and their family members being unable to access a test.
“Additionally, with the number of positive Covid-19 cases increasing, but a reduction in the proportion being contact traced, we are looking at renewed pressure on the NHS."
Baroness Dido Harding, who heads up the NHS Test and Trace service, admitted last week that demand for tests was outstripping capacity but denied claims that the system was "failing".
She suggested around a quarter of those coming forward for a test did not have symptoms.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdUnder new rules, from September 28, people will legally have to self-isolate for 14 days if they test positive for coronavirus, or are instructed to do by NHS Test and Trace.
Fines for non-compliance will start at £1,000 – rising to £10,000 for repeat offenders.
People on benefits will be eligible for a one-off support payment of £500 if they face a loss of earnings as a result of having to quarantine.