Edgbaston Test Series: Army trained to test NHS staff for Coronavirus on Cricket Grounds
Edgbaston Cricket Ground has played host to some important international tests, but none more crucial than the tests that took place there on 5–6 April 2020.
40 British Army personnel spent two days learning how to perform tests for Coronavirus, to be used for NHS staff on the frontline. The personnel will go now back to their home regiments and train others to do the same.
They came together at the home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, where pharmacy staff from the high street shop, Boots, gave the training.
The Army personnel spent the afternoon taking oral and nasal swabs from around 200 NHS staff who arrived from across Birmingham.
Private Josh Holmes (20), 1 Royal Army Medical Corps, from Tidworth Garrison, said:
‘I think what we’re doing here today is very important. My girlfriend is a doctor currently working in an ICU. I see the amazing work she and her colleagues are doing in the NHS every day, so I’m proud to do what I can to support them.’
Lance Corporal Adele Amplett (27) usually plays tenor horn in the British Army Band at Catterick. She was very proud to play her part:
‘We’ve all got a very important role to play, especially in the Army where we can support the NHS and emergency services as they undertake their pivotal work for our country.’
These personnel are now giving tests to NHS staff on the frontline, and training others how to do the same.
