Firm sets up on-site testing for 650 staff
RESULTS BACK IN 30 MINUTES
A LEICESTERSHIRE company has set up an on-site Covid-19 testing programme for its staff.
Druck, a Baker Hughes business which makes measuring instruments, has launched a governmentbacked on-site Covid-19 rapid testing programme which can get results back in 30 minutes.
The 650 staff who work on-site are being offered a lateral flow test twice a week.
Following a successful trial at Druck, lateral flow testing of colleagues began on February 23.
A company spokesman said: “A rapid testing programme has launched at Druck’s HQ in Groby, as part of Test and Trace’s UK-wide continuing drive to increase the availability of testing.
“It is estimated that around one in
three people who are infected with Covid-19 have no symptoms so could be spreading the disease without knowing it.
“Broadening testing to identify those showing no symptoms will mean finding positive cases more quickly, and break chains of transmission.”
After a simple step-by-step guide, employees will have their results in about 30 minutes.
Gordon Docherty, vice president of Druck, said: “As part of our commitment to do everything we can to keep Druck colleagues safe, we’re pleased to have rolled out our onsite Covid-19 testing programme in partnership with NHS Test and Trace.
“My colleagues have responded exceptionally well to the challenges the pandemic has brought about.
“They have embraced the testing programme, reflecting everyone’s commitment to stay safe.”
Council officials have been going door-to-door in some of the areas of Leicester with the highest infection rates to offer people coronavirus tests and advice. The Mowmacre and Stocking Farm area recently had a seven-day rolling infection rate of 451.9 cases per 100,000 people, which is more than four times the national average.
The aim is to get people infected but do not have Covid-19 symptoms to get tested.
that blood can flow freely and to strengthen the heartbeat. Regular checks are all your dog needs at present, hopefully for some years to come.
Our five-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel was diagnosed with a grade one My four-year-old male neutered cat has heart murmur last year at his annual check. gone bald on the back of each hind leg. He is not showing any signs or having any My vet advised I start flea control again to treatment. What do you think his outlook is? see whether the fur will grow back by spring.
I am really puzzled though. Can you help? A A
Grade one murmurs are the mildest of the six grades of Cats are unique in many ways – murmur used by cardiologists to classify their personalities, habits and them. Those involving the mitral how they respond to parasites, such as valve are very common in Cavaliers fleas, or other causes of skin disease. and are often detected for the first time Baldness on the backs of the hind at their annual check-up. legs is well recognised as a sign of an
The mitral valve, between the left itchy cat and it is licking the area which atrium and the left ventricle, clicks causes the hair to be pulled out. shut as the ventricle pumps blood Don’t ask me why some cats just around the body via the aorta. concentrate on that area because
If there is mitral valve disease, blood I am not sure. Because of the equal leaks back into the atrium, causing the baldness on both legs, I was taught at murmur sound, and less blood is college that the problem was likely available for ventricular function. to be hormonal – we called it feline
Eventually, many dogs with endocrine alopecia. murmurs will develop heart failure That was a bit of a stretch because no and require treatment. one knew what hormones were
In mild cases, some years often involved, and various hormone treatments elapse before any signs develop, with didn’t work. Subsequent investigations some dogs living to an old age without of these cats discounted early developing heart failure. theories and concentrated on diseases
Now that your vet has noticed the that could cause itchiness and provoke problem, more regular check-ups will increased licking. be advisable to monitor any signs of Allergies are now considered to be deterioration. the main cause of the itchiness. This
If there is deterioration, current could include food, dust mites, pollens treatment is very effective in prolonging or, most commonly, fleas. the life of the dog. It aims to prevent Good flea control is a sensible first any build-up of fluid in the lungs, choice, with fur regrowth possible reduce resistance in the circulation so within three months.