18 August 2021
Rapid antigen testing to be introduced at Whiddon Mudgee
We are pleased to advise that rapid antigen testing will be offered to all Whiddon Mudgee employees, commencing in next few days, to further protect residents and employees during the evolving COVID-19 situation in NSW.
What are rapid antigen tests and how do they work?
Rapid antigen tests are on-the-spot tests that deliver a result in as little as ten minutes. They are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and under supervision of a registered nurse, employees are trained to administer the tests themselves. Should a positive result be detected, the employee must then take a standard diagnostic test in line with Government advice.
Research has shown that the frequency of the testing is the most important factor in controlling the spread of infection. Employees will be encouraged to test every day to begin with and then every other day following that, while community transmission remains high.
Has Whiddon used rapid antigen testing before?
Whiddon proudly introduced rapid antigen testing as an industry-leading two-week trial in July, at Whiddon Easton Park in Glenfield. Since then, testing has been extended at Whiddon Easton Park as community transmission remains high and has now been rolled out at a number of Whiddon’s care homes including in Hornsby, Belmont, Largs and Redhead.
The results from the trial showed that employees, residents and families overwhelmingly indicated that rapid antigen testing gave them confidence that employees and residents weren’t at risk.
Whiddon is pleased to see that the Government has announced a program to roll out rapid antigen testing.