Professor Joe Harrison, Chief Executive of MK Hospital, spoke to MKFM about the increase in testing for staff at the hospital.
The hospital is aiming to test all staff that shows symptoms within 24 hours. Over 400 staff members have either self-isolated or are currently self-isolating, however, Professor Harrison says nowhere near that amount of staff has actually tested positive for the virus.
"We are testing all staff that show symptoms," said Professor Harrison. "And, we are now expanding that testing to incorporate other public bodies."
The increase in testing has also expanded to include family members of hospital staff. If a household member is showing symptoms, they will be tested for the virus. This means should the test come back negative, the staff member can return back to work straight away rather than having to isolate for 14 days.
The Government has said that the peak of the virus could soon be approaching. When asked about whether he believes we have reached the peak, Professor Harrison said that he was hopeful, but was not completely sure.
He continued: "What we are seeing is a slow increase over the last number of weeks, to the point now whereby we have around about 60 patients who are confirmed positive coronavirus patients in our hospital. And, a further 50 that are awaiting results of their testing.
"We are hoping that the numbers aren't going to significantly increase over and above that. We've also had a number of patients come through our critical care unit. Have we reached the peak? What we are seeing is a significant pressure in our care home sector, and within social services as well."
Professor Harrison concluded: "We hope we've reached the peak, but we're not totally sure just yet."
