Many safe returns

In your latest RMtv Special, we talk about our key partner role in the delivery and return of coronavirus test kits to NHS and social care frontline staff.

The new initiative will enable NHS staff to carry out a coronavirus test at home before returning their sample for testing in secure packaging.

We will be dealing with the collection and return of these samples to determine who in the NHS is suffering with coronavirus or not. The idea is to get as many NHS staff as possible, who are well enough to return, back on the frontline. This is why it is such a key role that we have been entrusted with playing.

Press play to hear Shaun Davis explain the process we have introduced to ensure the safety of our people.

‘The safety, health and wellbeing of our people is of paramount importance,’ said Shaun. ‘It is the number one priority and we’ve been working with clinical teams and operational colleagues to identify a way for us to safely collect, handle and return these kits.’

Keeping colleagues safe

• NHS workers will wash their hands before and after handling their samples for collection and before packaging.
• They will use disinfectant wipes on the return packaging, which fully complies with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) requirements for the safe transport of infectious viruses.
• Collection drivers will use plastic bags to pick up and bag items.

In terms of the value and contribution Royal Mail is making towards the community, this is enormous,’ added Shaun. ‘It is yet another way for us to demonstrate the invaluable work we can do in terms of keeping people safe and connected and using our fantastic network for the national good.’

Colleagues are again reminded of the importance of good hand hygiene practice. Please remember to wash your hands regularly. This includes before and after your rounds, particularly before eating, and regularly using antiseptic wipes to clean shared equipment, such as keyboards, PDA's and scanners.

The latest version of our coronavirus Q&As is now available via myroyalmail.com/coronavirus. All the latest coronavirus guidance is also available on the myroyalmail employee app, a one-stop-shop for all the latest information about the business.