Hundreds of high-risk Covid patients across Nottinghamshire have been treated with new Covid medicines, with many giving 'excellent feedback'.
The Covid Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU) has been rolled out to more than 600 people in the community since December 16, according to hospital board papers.
The programme consists of two treatments which are aimed at limiting the effects of the virus for those in the highest risk categories.
Patients either receive an intravenous monoclonal antibody - an artificial antibody that boosts the immune response to the virus - or an oral antiviral agent, which reduces the ability of the virus to infect cells in the body.
In a report, Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH), who ran the programme, said it had been a "mammoth task" but "has been successfully achieved at very rapid pace".
Rupert Egginton, acting chief executive at the trust, said: "Since starting on 16 December, over 600 Nottinghamshire citizens have been triaged and treated with one of these agents offered if clinically suitable.
"We have had excellent feedback from patients treated."
Dr Jeremy Lewis, consultant in acute medicine at NUH, said: “We are delighted that it has been so well received by the hundreds of patients who have so far benefitted from it, many of whom are among our highest risk patients in the community.
“The success of this new service is a real testament to the dedication and team working of colleagues across NUH – from our Ambulatory Care Division and Pharmacy services, to Digital Services, Information Services and Procurement - working closely with our partners in primary and community care”.
Lucy Hubber, director of public health at Nottingham City Council, added: “I’d like to thank NUH colleagues for their work on the CMDU and I’m pleased that so many local people have benefited through this treatment programme.
“However, we are still seeing high numbers of Covid cases in our city and so anything we can do to avoid getting the virus in the first place, and not passing it on if we do, is really important.
"I’d urge everyone to make sure they’re fully vaccinated and boosted, to continue wearing a face covering in crowded situations, keep testing regularly and isolate immediately if you test positive.”
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