Strained COVID test supply for Dorset social workers
Some face-to-face visits aren't being carried out by assigned caseworkers.
Shortages of lateral flow and PCR tests are affecting Dorset's social workers.
In recent weeks many areas have struggled to access testing, in some cases causing staffing issues.
Now, social workers are having to hand vital face-to-face visits over to colleagues if they are unable to access testing.
A Dorset Council spokesperson said:
“The situation regarding access to tests is changing rapidly.
“We are experiencing issues accessing lateral flow and PCR tests for some front line social workers but are managing this by looking at the work that people can do while they wait for a test or a result and then redirecting other practitioners on a risk basis to cover essential face to face visits.
“We are advising anyone experiencing difficulty getting access to a test to keep checking GOV.UK and would encourage everyone eligible for their vaccine to come forward and get boosted as soon as possible.”