Pass the test
We’re playing a vital role for our country collecting and processing Covid-19 test kits – and it’s vital we mange this important service correctly.
Supported by our unions, we collect the kits from homes and a network of priority postboxes. We move them safely through our pipeline to reach designated labs by 8am the following day.
The safety of our colleagues is our number one priority – and we also have significant Quality of Service targets to reach, given the importance to the country of the results of the coronavirus tests.
For home collections, our Quality of Service target is 99%, while for priority postboxes it is 97.5%.
When collecting and moving through our delivery offices, there are steps we must take to get it right. The same applies once the test kits reach the next stage in the process – our mail centres. Play the video above to hear colleagues at Hull Malmo Delivery Office and Sheffield Mail Centre share how to do it all correctly.
‘We are all really proud of what we’re doing, and we’re making a difference,’ says Nick Welburn, who collects from priority postboxes in Hull.
Paul McEvoy, a postman in Hull, adds: ‘We are here for the customers and we do our best for them.’
Here’s some top tips to follow:
Home collections
- Must have protective equipment and Manifest
- At the doorstep, put on the mask (based on personal preference), knock on the door, stand back from the door, put bag over hand, pick up kit, pull bag over, seal bag, place in box/bag wipe van with wipes (if required).
Priority postbox collections
- Must have protective equipment for collection
- Open the box, check for test kits, place bag over hand, pick up kit, pull bag over, seal bag, isolate from all other collection mail using green bag.
Taking back into the delivery office process
- Remove test kit from the green bag/tray
- Use PDA to scan in as (INDOOR/ENQUIRY OFFICE/CSP ACCEPTANCE)
- Record any non-collected items in Redlands system
- Demonstrate how priority postbox and home collection kits are kept separate – bagged separately – and kept segregated from all other Tracked items
- Load into yorks/bags using the correct york card/bag label
- Load last and send to mail centre on the first available vehicle.
