Dear Member, 

Re: Derogation & Antigen Test

It is important to understand that the HSE derogation policy which allows for the return to work of asymptomatic close contacts following a risk assessment is voluntary - this means that derogation can only occur with your agreement.

Furthermore, derogation can only occur following a negative antigen test.

We have engaged with the HSE to insist that antigen tests are provided by the employer to nurses and midwives.  They have agreed to our demand that antigen tests will be provided by the employer either by post or directly from the work location. (you can read the letter from HSE here)

It is imperative that if you are being requested to derogate and return to work that you only do so once you have received an antigen test from your employer, and it is negative. It is not the responsibility of nurses and midwives to source their own antigen tests when it is an employer policy that a negative test is required, and again if you are requested to derogate you should await receipt of a test from your employer.

Kind regards

Phil Ni Sheaghdha
General Secretary