Testing for Covid-19 for Essential Workers 

Use this service to apply for a coronavirus (COVID-19) test if you have symptoms and you:

• are an essential worker
• live with an essential worker

Coronavirus symptoms are:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss of or change to your sense of smell or taste

This test can tell you if you have coronavirus at the time the swab sample is taken. The test to tell if you’ve ever had coronavirus (‘antibody test’) is not available yet.

When to apply for a test

Apply within the first 3 days of having symptoms. The test is best taken within 5 days of symptoms starting.

Click here for the Government website to book your test

Testing for Covid-19 for Non-Essential Workers

If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), you can ask for a test to check if you have the virus. This is called an antigen test.

Information:
If you need medical advice about your symptoms:
England: NHS 111 online coronavirus service

Who can ask for a test

You can ask for a test:

• for yourself, if you have coronavirus symptoms now (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
• for someone you live with, if they have coronavirus symptoms

This service is for people in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The tests are not suitable for children under 5 years old. 

If you're asking for a test for someone else and the person is aged 13 or over, check they're happy for you to ask for a test for them.

When to ask for a test

You need to have the test in the first 5 days of having symptoms.

It's best to ask for the test in the first 3 days, as it may take a day or two to arrange.

What the test involves

The test usually involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud.

You can do the swab yourself or someone can do it for you.

Click here to view the full guidelines

UPDATE - School Aged Immunisations Programme, HPV dose 2 catch up (9th July 2020)

Dear Parent/Carer,

Since our message last week where we announced that the School Aged Immunisation Team is now able to offer vaccination sessions again, in line with Government guidance, we have experienced a high volume of enquiries.

We are aware that some people are having difficulty getting through on the phone.  For those who are unable to leave a phone message, please email snhs.childrensimmunisationteam@nhs.net   

We apologise for any delay and we are working hard to respond to every enquiry as quickly as we can.

A number of schools are hosting sessions on the premises and are contacting their Year 8 pupils to arrange a session in school. Some vaccinations are being offered in community clinics albeit for limited numbers.

If you have not been contacted by your child’s school, with an offer to attend there, or were unable to get an appointment with the school, or in a community clinic,  then please be assured that further sessions for the catch up of current Year 8 HPV2 pupils will be offered during the next academic year,  to enable pupils to complete their course, within the vaccine schedule timeframe for HPV.

Please be advised that the 2nd dose for HPV should be completed between 6 and 24 months after the 1st dose.  For any child that is unable to access the HPV for any other reason we continue to offer this each year whilst your child is in school.

Karen Souch

Clinical Team Lead School Aged Immunisations

Support for Victims of Domestic & Sexual Abuse during Covid-19

For advice, help & support out of hours or for specific needs:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline Freephone 24hr 02394 216 816. Online support: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Contact-us  
• Rape Crisis National Helpline 0808 802 9999 12.00 -14.30 and 19.00 – 21.30 every day.  Online support: www.rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/want-to-talk
• LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428
• Men’s Advice Line for male victims of domestic abuse: 0808 801 0327 or www.mensadviceline.org.uk
• The Mix, free remote counselling and help for under 25’s: 0808 808 4994
• Rights of Women legal advice lines: www.rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-advice/advice-lines
• For domestic abuse perpetrators and those supporting them Respect Phone line provides a confidential helpline, email and webchat service: 0808 8024040 or www.respectphoneline.org.uk
• Childline - call 0800 1111 or access online: https://www.childline.org.uk   

Statement from the Solent NHS Trust Public Nursing Team (26th May 2020)

Portsmouth School Nursing Service continues to provide non-emergency health related advice and support, e.g. sleep, bed wetting, healthy weight, soiling, emotional health and well-being, additional and long term health conditions.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of your child’s health or development then please contact us by

Telephone - 03001236629 or Text us on 07491163276

Statement from the Solent NHS Trust Public Nursing Team (7th April 2020)

Due to Coronavirus our immunisation programme is currently postponed .  Once the Government reinstates school attendance for all,  we will be rearranging any sessions that have been delayed. We will, of course, be reviewing this situation in line with Government guidance and recommendations. If you have any questions please contact us via: snhs.childrensimmunisationteam@nhs.net