The race that never was: 2020 Randox Health Grand National trophy is unveiled at 2021 Weights event ā with a special tribute to the late Rose Paterson
The race that never was: 2020 Randox Health Grand National trophy is unveiled at 2021 Weights event ā with a special tribute to the late Rose Paterson
16 February 2021:
The race that never was: 2020 Randox Health Grand National trophy is unveiled at 2021 Weights event – with a special tribute to the late Rose Paterson
The trophy for the 2020 Randox Health Grand National – the race that never was – has been unveiled today during the 2021 Weights event, with a special tribute to the late Rose Paterson.
Shown to the public for the first time during the event which was shown live on Racing TV, the 2020 trophy was designed by silversmith Cara Murphy, who like Randox, is also from Northern Ireland. The design reflects Randox’s commitment to better healthcare through improved testing.
Having made the trophy in 2020, Cara has since been commissioned by Randox to update the design with a delicate silver rose on its edge, to honour the memory of Aintree Chairman Rose Paterson.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox Managing Director, commented;
“It is very fitting that this wonderful trophy should be shown now, at a time when we all have a better understanding and appreciation of diagnostic testing, as a result of the terrible COVID-19 pandemic.
“But I am particularly pleased that with its unveiling, we can pay tribute to the remarkable Rose Paterson. Rose, in her role as Chairman of Aintree, had remarkable vision and energy and achieved so much for the racing public, for the owners, trainers and jockeys and, most importantly, for equine welfare.
“She was a wonderful person to know, both personally and professionally, and really made a lasting mark at Aintree. She will be greatly missed and we extend our deepest sympathies to Owen and the whole family.”
Designed in solid silver, the 2020 trophy, which features unique and intricate stands of gold proteins and antibodies held within a 50cm diameter circle, differs to that of its 2017, 18 and 19 counterparts by way of its shield-like shape.
Encircling the outside of the shield is the Biochip – Randox’s proprietary technology for diagnosis of ill-health and disease – and a red enamel roundel is positioned in the logo, symbolising a drop of blood which enables Randox to carry out a range of innovative tests.
Silversmith Cara Murphy commented;
“Little did I know when I began researching Randox’s testing capabilities, that it would go on to play such a prominent role in the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that words like testing and antibodies would now be used so regularly in everyday conversation.
“Almost a year since the trophy was completed and things have changed so significantly – but I was honoured to have the opportunity to commemorate the life of Aintree Chairman Rose Paterson in the update we have made to my design.
“The 2020 trophy has been a fantastic project to work on, and a great Northern Ireland collaboration between Randox and myself.”
As in previous years, the 2020 Randox Health Grand National trophy is accompanied by miniature team trophies. In their first year as sponsor, Randox introduced the concept of presenting the entire winning team with a trophy, to celebrate the combined effort that goes in to achieving such a special victory. In both 2018 and 2019, they went to Tiger Roll’s winning team; trainer Gordon Elliott, jockey Davy Russell, and groom Louise Dunne.
A new charity in honour of the life of Rose Paterson, The Rose Paterson Trust, is due to be launched at the Randox Grand National in April 2021.
For further information or to organise interviews please email Amy Millar in the Randox PR team on randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413.
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Randox processes 10 millionth test and details investment in testing capacity
11 February 2021:
RANDOX PROCESSES 10 MILLIONTH COVID-19 TEST AND DETAILS INVESTMENT IN TESTING CAPACITY
Randox today confirms that it has processed its 10 millionth sample for the UK’s COVID-19 National Testing Programme, making it the first Pillar 2 testing laboratory to achieve this milestone. This achievement is based upon a £85 million investment since March 2020 in facilities and equipment at Randox’s laboratories in Northern Ireland.
As a key partner laboratory from initiation of the UK’s National Testing Programme in March 2020, Randox quickly ramped up its testing capacity. Randox’s response has involved recruitment of over 850 new staff , the building and equipping of over 80,000 sq ft of new molecular laboratory space and the development of new innovations in testing technology. These efforts have seen Randox’s COVID-19 testing capacity grow from 150 tests per day in March 2020 to over 120,000 samples per day today, making Randox the largest throughput laboratory in the UK and Ireland and amongst the biggest in Europe.
Randox Founder and Managing Director, Dr Peter FitzGerald, said:
“This milestone is an incredible achievement and testament to the dedication and hard work of our teams, who have pulled together at a time of national crisis and whose non-stop efforts are vital to enable the country to return to both social and economic normality.
“We will continue to build our capacity and develop new cutting-edge testing equipment to support the fight against COVID-19. We’ve all learnt from this pandemic the importance of early and accurate testing and Randox is committed to investing in diagnostic technology to meet future health challenges.”
Contact information:
For further information or to organise interviews please email Amy Millar in the Randox PR team on randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413.
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23rd January 2021: 9 million tests on the National Testing Programme
23RD JANUARY 2021: THE 9 MILLION MILESTONE
We are pleased to let you know that on 23rd January 2021, Randox reported its 9 millionth test result to the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme.
That’s an incredible 9 million samples processed, tested and reported by our dedicated and talented staff.
Our staff are our best asset and have risen to the challenge this pandemic has created.
They have worked hard and flexibly, been creative and innovative, and pulled together as a team to make an impact in the fight against COVID-19.
We are very proud of their efforts and teamwork.
Let us once again say thank you to each and every member of Team Randox, for the efforts they have made.
What we do at Randox remains vital to the national and global management of COVID-19 and our work is making a real and positive difference.
We continue to work hard and improve, for the sake of our family, friends and communities.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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7th January 2021: 8 million tests on the National Testing Programme
7TH JANUARY 2021: THE 8 MILLION MILESTONE
We are pleased to let you know that on 7th January 2021, Randox reported its 8 millionth test result to the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme.
That’s an incredible 8 million samples processed, tested and reported by our dedicated and talented staff.
Our staff are our best asset and have risen to the challenge this pandemic has created.
They have worked hard and flexibly, been creative and innovative, and pulled together as a team to make an impact in the fight against COVID-19.
We are very proud of their efforts and teamwork.
Let us once again say thank you to each and every member of Team Randox, for the efforts they have made.
What we do at Randox remains vital to the national and global management of COVID-19 and our work is making a real and positive difference.
We continue to work hard and improve, for the sake of our family, friends and communities.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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20th December 2020: 7 million tests on the National Testing Programme
20TH DECEMBER: THE 7 MILLION MILESTONE
We are pleased to let you know that on Sunday 20th December, Randox surpassed 7 million tests within the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme.
That’s an incredible 7 million samples accessioned, tested and reported by our dedicated and talented staff.
Our staff are our best asset and have risen to the challenge this pandemic has created.
They have worked hard and flexibly, been creative and innovative, and pulled together as a team to make an impact in the fight against COVID-19.
We are very proud of their efforts and teamwork.
Let us once again say thank you to each and every member of Team Randox, for the efforts they have made in 2020.
What we do at Randox remains vital to the national and global management of COVID-19 and our work is making a real and positive difference.
We continue to work hard and improve, for the sake of our family, friends and communities.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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The Six Million Tests Milestone: 2nd December 2020
2ND DECEMBER: THE 6 MILLION MILESTONE
We are pleased to let you know that on 2nd December, Randox surpassed 6 million tests within the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme.
That’s an incredible 6 million samples accessioned, processed and tested by our dedicated and talented staff.
Our staff are our best asset and have risen to the challenge this pandemic has created.
They have worked hard and flexibly, been creative and innovative, and pulled together as a team to make an impact in the fight against COVID-19.
We are very proud of their efforts and teamwork.
Let us once again say thank you to each and every member of Team Randox, for the efforts they have made in 2020.
What we do at Randox remains vital to the national and global management of COVID-19 and our work is making a real and positive difference.
We continue to work hard and improve, for the sake of our family, friends and communities.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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Response to Channel 4 Dispatches Monday 16th November
The claims made about Randox in the Channel 4/Dispatches documentary ‘Lockdown Chaos: How the Government lost Control’ are underhand, deceptive, dishonest and defamatory and the producers have been notified of the true position.
Underhand, deceptive and dishonest behaviour hampers the fight against the pandemic
“This Channel 4 Dispatches “investigation” and use of an undercover reporter grossly misrepresents the facts on the ground and – more importantly – the hard work of all the staff at Randox to expand operations quickly so we can play an important supportive role in the national effort to defeat the pandemic. The journalist was employed for just 10 days in manufacturing and only spent a very limited time in accessioning. He was not qualified to carry out an “investigation” on quality control measures used in the diagnostics sector. Furthermore, the consultant microbiologist who reviewed the findings of the journalist is a historic opponent of the Pillar 2 testing programme and as such clearly could not provide unbiassed expertise in his review.
“If Dispatches had approached us in an upfront and honest manner with legitimate questions, then we would have worked with them to deliver an accurate and factual programme. This is hatchet job journalism of the worst kind.”
Randox wish to state the following:
Randox strongly refute those allegations made regarding Randox’s laboratory operations within the Channel 4 documentary, ‘Lockdown Chaos: How the Government lost Control’, transmitted on 16th November. Responses to the key allegations are below these more general comments.
Randox wish to state that it is particularly disappointing that Channel 4 and Dispatches appear focussed in portraying a national story of chaos and negativity – without reflecting what has been achieved during the Covid-19 pandemic.
From a standing start, Randox used its extensive experience to develop an innovative assay for Covid-19, built and equipped over 45,000 square feet of specialist molecular laboratories, developed and equipped a further 50,000 square feet of logistic and technical support space, and mobilised its global supply chains to source equipment and consumables. Extensive R&D capabilities were also refocussed to support innovation within Covid-19 operations.
Over 750 new staff have been employed. Randox have invested over £68m of private money in building and resourcing new facilities and have taken testing capacity from 150 molecular assays per day at the end of March 2020 to 80,000 assays per day by early November. In just over 7 months Randox have reported over 5 million molecular test results to the UK’s Covid-19 National Testing Programme.
There have been significant challenges to face and Randox have committed to the provision of safe, accurate, reliable and timely results at scale, within a culture of continuous process improvement. As a result Randox often operates efficiently above its committed capacity to the National Testing Programme and meets, or improves upon, the required turnaround times for test results.
Randox, and our staff, do find the use of a covert reporter within our workforce to be disingenuous. By default that reporter had very limited access, very limited understanding and, it appears, a particularly negative mindset. Channel 4 could easily have asked for more open access and ensured much more balanced and reputable journalism.
Randox staff are exceptionally dedicated, working to both support and assist those in need of testing, and to optimise processes. Randox would like to reinforce their thanks and appreciation to all staff who have achieved so much throughout this pandemic.
Key Rebuttals:
Allegation: Boxes of samples are unpacked at speed and he (the reporter) was warned there is a recurrent problem of swab samples mistakenly being thrown into the waste with cardboard packaging.
Response: This is a complete misrepresentation; all samples are unpacked for processing and safety checks are carried out on bulk boxes after they have been unpacked. On the very rare occasion a sample gets accidently caught in the cardboard packaging (estimated 1 in 100,000) it is found and returned to accessioning. There are no recorded cases of samples going to waste. It is also physically impossible, should there ever be missed samples, for any staff member to ‘get samples all over them’ due to the stringent safety measures of the compactor/baler. Supervisors do continually stress and can occasionally embellish the importance of due diligence in accessioning, as was evidenced.
Allegation: Randox accessioning processes run a risk of cross-contamination.
Response: Valid samples are separated from leaked samples, whilst still in leakproof packaging, at the point of accessioning. Valid samples are wiped down with disinfectant once unpacked; disinfectant is clearly visible on the cloth being used to wipe the tubes, illustrating that tubes are disinfected. Tubes are then racked in an upright position. There is no possibility of cross contamination.
‘The Expert’
Randox also wish to record their disappointment in the approach undertaken by the ‘expert’ Dr Tom Lewis, and note the previous stance he has taken on non-NHS laboratories. Dr Lewis has never operated at the scale or efficiency Randox have achieved, reporting up to 80,000 Covid-19 samples in a single day. He did not peer review his comments or, noting the inexperience of the undercover reporter (who spent only 4.5 hours in the accessioning area), seek any clarification on processes or procedures from Randox before making his comments.
Press enquiries should be emailed to randox@newcenturymedia.co.uk
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The Five Million Tests Milestone: 8th November 2020
8TH NOVEMBER: THE 5 MILLION MILESTONE
We are pleased to let you know that on Sunday 8th November, Randox surpassed 5 million tests within the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme.
That’s an incredible 5 million samples accessioned, processed and tested by our dedicated and talented staff.
Our staff are our best asset and have risen to the challenge this pandemic has created.
They have worked hard and flexibly, been creative and innovative, and pulled together as a team to make an impact in the fight against COVID-19.
We are very proud of their efforts and teamwork.
Let us once again say thank you to each and every member of Team Randox, for the efforts they have made in 2020.
What we do at Randox remains vital to the national and global management of COVID-19 and our work is making a real and positive difference.
We continue to work hard and improve, for the sake of our family, friends and communities.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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Official comment on extension of COVID-19 testing contract
OFFICIAL RANDOX STATEMENT: EXTENSION OF COVID-19 TESTING CONTRACT
Acknowledging the extension of Randox’s contract to provide COVID-19 testing within Pillar 2 of the UK’s National Testing Programme, Randox Founder and Managing Director Dr Peter FitzGerald said;
“We take very seriously our responsibility to ensure that vital laboratory testing for Covid-19 continues and expands during the winter months.
“We have extensively ramped up our capacity and made significant private investment in order to fulfil and exceed our commitment to the National Testing Programme. All at Randox are fully committed to supporting the programme, and we look forward to continuing to play our role, which is crucial to the economic and social wellbeing of the nation.”
Press enquiries should be emailed to randox@newcenturymedia.co.uk
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson congratulates Randox
Prime Minister Boris Johnson congratulates Randox in House of Commons 22 Sep 2020
On Tuesday 22nd September 2020, in the House of Commons, Prime Minster Boris Johnson congratulated Randox for our vital role at national level in helping to deliver the Government’s testing programme.
The statement from the Prime Minister came in response to Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP, who asked the Prime Minister if he would commend Randox for the work we have done. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP said;
Randox has committed 99% of its Covid testing capacity to that programme and on 19th September they successfully reported almost 10,000 samples beyond the recommended daily rate.
The Prime Minister responded by saying;
I do indeed congratulate Randox and all the other businesses involved and we are massively expanding testing the whole time.
Many thanks again for your ongoing support.
Our staff are our best asset and we salute your hard work and commitment.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com