Rapid Testing Pilot

Sundial Care Home based in Tipton St. John, near Sidmouth was chosen as one of the first twenty care and nursing homes in the UK to pioneer rapid testing COVID-19.

By being chosen as one of the first homes by the Department of Health & Social Care to take part in the programme, Sundial’s success in implementing safe visits has supported the mass roll out of the rapid tests across the UK.

Unlike the standard Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing that can take several days to produce a result, these Lateral Flow Tests (LFT) tests can produce a result within 20-30 minutes and has enabled relatives to see their loved ones finally after months of connecting through virtual means.

Bringing People Together

Sundial’s home manager Liz Thompson has shared the warmth and joy that the visits have brought the family of Sundial.

“The people we care for and their loved ones have been so pleased to visit again through the trial. Seeing mothers and daughters, fathers and sons brought together again has brought families comfort and solace.” Liz said.

Although access to the Covid-19 vaccine is becoming more of a question of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’, the approval of rapid testing has come as a relief for families across the UK who were previously worried they wouldn’t be able to see their loved ones this Christmas.

Liz said, “We felt honoured to be one of the first homes. We’re delighted that the success of the trial at Sundial has meant that other homes in Devon and the rest of the UK can experience the same adulation and joy of seeing their loved ones without all the burning doubt about their safety.”

Sundial, which has been rated as ‘Outstanding’ by CQC, is delighted to have played their part in allowing communities across the UK to come together this festive season.

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