Martin Ford 06 January 2022

Sandwell calls for action on test shortage

Sandwell calls for action on test shortage image

A council has written to ministers after it was forced to step in to alleviate a shortage of COVID testing kits.

Sandwell MBC’s leader, Cllr Kerrie Carmichael, and cabinet member for health, Cllr Suzanne Hartwell, said the council’s public health team had been forced to resort to delivering lateral flow tests to pharmacies as an ‘emergency measure’ when central supplies failed to be delivered after Christmas.

The council said the issue had still not been resolved, with ‘sporadic supply’ this week.

In their letter, the councillors told health secretary Sajid Javid that prior warning of shortages from the Government would enable them to make their own preparations.

The letter read: ‘We are not being alerted about lack of supply and this is adding to the pressure on our hard-pressed services.’

Mr Javid has appealed for ‘understanding and patience’ from the public following the surge in demand over the past two weeks, but added supplies of tests has been ramped up from 100 million to 300 million this month.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker- Family Support and Safeguarding - Witney

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the Family Support and Safeguarding Workbook modules, and a strengths-bas Witney
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner