Hastings homecare provider tested 270 staff members for Covid-19 antibodies: only one had them

A1 Quality Homecare, based on The Ridge, Hastings, was the first domiciliary care company in the private sector to have its care workers tested for the Covid-19 antibody.

In total, 270 people were tested over a period of four days.

One member of staff returned a positive result - meaning they had antibodies. A1 said this care worker contracted the virus while they were off work.

The staff were tested as part of a pilot in collaboration with the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

The tests saw phlebotomists and nurses take blood for each member of staff over a period of four days.

Zoe Rushton, registered manager and director at A1, said: "We completed 270 blood tests. Only one came back that antibodies were detected which shows the test works as we have only had one positive Covid test from a care worker who contracted the virus while off work.

"Although everyone wanted the antibodies this result is something to be proud of as it shows how safe all our clients have been in our care. It also demonstrates how well correct PPE works.

"We have just over 300 staff and it was offered to all but some didn’t want it done. However, we had a really good amount that took it up.

"It was a crazy four days to coordinate everyone coming in separately but worth it."