Agenda item

Matthew Pearce presented the report, concerning Covid-19 testing discrepancies. Key points include:

• UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) update stated that following reports of negative PCR tests after positive Lateral Flow Tests, an investigation was undertaken and testing was suspended at Immensa Health Clinic Ltd., Wolverhampton.
• An estimated 43,000 people had been affected by testing discrepancies.
• There was no evidence of any faults with LFD or PCR test kits themselves, and the public should continue using them, and UKHSA have ruled out a new variant accounting for such discrepancies.
• This was not an issue with the testing facility at Newbury Showground, but with the laboratory it was sent to. People were still encouraged to book a PCR test if they have Covid-19 symptoms.
• NHS Test and Trace was contacting people that could still be infectious to advise them to receive another test.
• West Berkshire Council encouraged anybody who had a negative PCR result to have another test.

·         Initial concerns and reports were reported through to DHSC/UKHSA and were escalated by the Council. Data analysis was conducted by Berkshire West Public Health Team and shared with DHSC.

Councillor Lynne Doherty then spoke on the communications role as fulfilled by Meradin Peachey and Martin Dunscombe.

The Chairman noted that Councillor Doherty had led on the public response and that all media enquires had gone through her, and that he was disappointed with an article in Newbury Today that featured criticisms from the Opposition, but did not allow them to reply. In fact, the Chairman noted that all information had been directed as soon as the Council had it, and West Berkshire’s actions flagged the issue with UKHSA.

Councillor Steve Masters asked if the testing lab could have been suspended earlier. Matthew Pearce responded that the lab closed on 12 October, and that he was unsure whether it was possible to have closed it earlier. Meradin Peachey noted that the UKHSA took some time to pinpoint which lab was responsible for the discrepancies, but acted quickly once it was clear which lab it was. She commended Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of UKHSA, for noting that it came about as a result of reports from local government.

Councillor Steve Masters asked what the best approach was to restore confidence in Covid-19 testing. Matthew Pearce noted that the challenge was tougher in winter, where more people were socialising indoors, and that communication will be key. Meradin Peachey noted that death rates were not increasing, so the biggest impact had been disruption to schools. Katie Summers noted that communicating to schools was key.

Councillor Martha Vickers asked whether information about the testing discrepancies had been shared with the Leader of the Opposition. Councillor Lynne Doherty noted that Opposition members had been informed and that a briefing had been sent to all members.

Councillor Martha Vickers asked whether there were lessons to be learned from the situation that may be applied to other labs. The Chairman responded that the lab should have noted issues with the test results and raised it themselves. Matthew Pearce agreed, and that additional responsibility was with the commissioner of the lab.