Groundbreaking Covid-19 therapeutic service for Ayrshire surpasses year long milestone

NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Covid-19 Therapeutic Service has surpassed a major milestone - after being in operation for more than a year.And staff and clinicians who have supported the service over the past year came together recently to share their experience and the benefits of this potentially life-saving treatment.The service first opened on December 21, 2021 and provides treatment to people who are thought to be at high risk of a clinical condition if they develop Covid-19 symptoms and test positive for the virus.People identified as potentially eligible have been notified by letter with information on how to access this treatment locally as part of their care.Patients can also self-refer or be referred through their GP if they think they are eligible for treatment.Some of the treatment options must be started within the first five days of experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, so it is really important that eligible patients contact the service as soon as possible.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android.Following a full clinical assessment, patients who are confirmed as eligible and suitable to receive treatment are either given medication intravenously at the Covid Treatment Centre, at University Hospital Crosshouse, or provided with prescribed medication to take at home.As at the end of December 2022, 1,784 patient referrals had been received into the service with 901