Rapid antigen testing at HealthShare NSW helps in the fight against COVID-19: Parramatta Linen Service staff pave the way in industry pilot program
Date published: 09 Dec 2021
Author: Jessica Drewery
HealthShare NSW connected with the Ministry of Health to participate in a cross- industry rapid antigen testing pilot. The pilot, which was stood up at Parramatta Linen Service in just seven days, was implemented as an additional measure to keep staff safe at work and also includes organisations within the construction and food and grocery sectors.
“We commenced our rollout of rapid antigen testing at Parramatta Linen Service in August 2021, as it was one of our biggest and most complex sites, as well as being located in an area of concern,” said Amitha Mather, Manager Food Service Reform.
Rapid antigen testing is a quick and easy screening tool used to help detect COVID-19. It involves a self-administered nasal swab (using a small cotton bud) that is then placed into a chemical solution which displays a result within approximately 10 minutes.
“It was a big change for our staff to participate in testing twice per week, however it helped to provide reassurance and peace of mind to our people and their families that testing was happening prior to starting work and mixing in the workplace,” said Amitha.
Following the successful rollout at Parramatta Linen Service, rapid antigen testing was implemented across a number of different areas of the HealthShare NSW business, including Patient Transport Service, EnableNSW, Ambulance Make Ready and the Wetherill Park and Dubbo Distribution Centres.
Thanks to the use of rapid antigen testing, to date, three COVID-19 positive employees have been identified that would have otherwise gone undetected in the workplace.
“In addition to the broader rollout within our organisation, we also partnered with NSW Ambulance so the model could be emulated across their depots, which is a terrific knowledge sharing experience,” said Amitha.
“The role that rapid antigen testing has in our fight against the pandemic is in addition to public health measures such as physical distancing, hand hygiene and mask wearing. It is an important tool for us to keep our people safe at work, particularly in areas of high COVID-19 transmission, and it may also take a different role as we move from pandemic to epidemic to endemic (like influenza),” said Kahli Mason, Manager, Business Performance.
Throughout all stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, HealthShare NSW has been deeply committed to supporting the health and safety of its people and ensuring that the critical services provided to NSW Health has continued in an uninterrupted way.
“The whole process has been incredibly collaborative and rewarding and reinforces that our people continue to go above and beyond to support our entire Health system throughout the pandemic,” said Kahli.
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