Students sign up to help do Covid tests on each other
COLLEGE students have been doing Covid-19 tests on each other to ensure everyone is tested.
At Havant and South Downs College, more than 12,000 lateral flow tests have been carried out since pupils returned en masse on March 8.
Vice-principal Leona Berry says a number of students have signed up to adminster tests themselves – which has been a deciding factor in everyone getting tested.
She said: ‘I have nothing but high praise for our students who helped with the Covid-19 testing.
‘They were outstanding – incredibly professional and very keen to learn and to help.
‘Some came in on their days off and offered to do extra sessions to help ensure we had all the required slots covered.’
Everyone involved with administering the tests was required to pass a series of online assessments before taking part.
One of these students, Alex Denton, was immediately keen to help out.
The health and social care level three diploma student said: ‘I got involved because I believe it was a brilliant experience and so beneficial to what’s going on in the world at the moment.
‘I loved getting stuck in and carrying out the testing process.’
Another student, Darcie Gibbon, added: ‘I enjoyed taking part and contributing to a team.
‘I got really close with my class and learned new skills like communicating, teamwork and a boost of confidence.’
The college is of the mindset that the testing would not have gone as smoothly without the students’ involvement.
Feedback has also been taken on board for future testing.