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

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

EHC Assessment and Review Co-Ordinator - Part Time

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £44937 per annum
Champion the journey for children and young people with special educational needs, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive.This is a part time, England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Part Time Environmental Health Officer (Housing and Caravan/Mobile Home Site Licensing)

Ribble Valley Borough Council
SO2 (scp 29-32) £39,862 to £42,839 per annum pro rata
We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated and experienced Environmental Health Officer Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

UTMC Principal Engineer

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£37,035-£45,718 (dependent on experience)
Join our team at Kirklees Council and help shape the future of urban mobility. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Coroners and The County Mortuary Service Manager

West Northamptonshire Council
£55036 - £58879
About the role West Northamptonshire Council is seeking a dynamic and experienced Coroners and County Mortuary Service Manager to lead the operational delivery of two critical services
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council
Linkedin Banner