Sunderland support for NHS Test and Trace

Sunderland City Council has joined forces with the national NHS Test and Trace programme in a bid to reach more people who have tested positive with Covid-19.

someone taking a call - to go with release on local contact tracing

The new service is designed to enhance the work of NHS Test and Trace by tracking down cases which the national team has been unable to reach.

The option for councils to provide local contract tracing is an addition to the national offer and the City Council believes it could play a vital part in reducing the spread of Covid in the community. Local contact tracers will be able to answer any questions people have including whether they need any support to self-isolate.

Gerry Taylor, Sunderland City Council's Executive Director of Public Health and Integrated Commissioning, said: "We really appreciate everything our residents have been doing to help reduce the spread of Covid since the start of the pandemic. We want to let them know about this service and what it does, so they know what to expect if they are contacted.

"Using local contact tracers can help when trying to contact local people who the national team have been unable to trace.

"We hope that our communities will feel more comfortable engaging with the wrap-around service we are aiming to offer, which will also direct people to help with self isolation payments and support with shopping, medication or essential supplies."

People contacted by the service will first receive a text message from the council informing that someone from the council will be contacting them to discuss their recent test. If the council isn't able to contact them by phone within 48 hours it will write to them asking them to get in touch.

The service will operate seven days a week from 9am to 5pm. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence and will only be used to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Anyone who needs support to self-isolate can contact the council on 0800 234 6084.

Gerry added: "We appreciate that self-isolation is a difficult ask. However, it is essential to reducing the spread of Covid 19 to others in the community. With the new variant of Covid spreading rapidly across the country it's more important than ever that we do everything we can to keep our communities safe."

Council Leader, Councillor Graeme Miller, said: "I'm delighted to see Sunderland supporting the national offer. Local contact tracing is something I've been keen to see for some time, and all credit to council colleagues who have set this up in the space of two weeks since getting the go ahead from the NHS."