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Writer's pictureHealthwatch Southend

Patients can now self-refer to the COVID-19 Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU)

A cartoon image of a virus

The COVID-19 Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU) is a seven-day service that supports non-hospitalised patients who are at a high risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19, despite being vaccinated.


Patients who test positive for COVID-19 can now refer themselves to the CMDU by calling 0300 44 35919, instead of logging their positive result on the government website as they would have previously.


Results logged on the government website no longer trigger an automatic referral.

If you have any questions, please contact the CMDU team on mse.nmabs@nhs.net or call 0300 44 35919, Monday to Friday from 9am-4pm or weekends from 9am to 1pm.


Who can be treated by the CMDU?

Patients within the following high-risk cohorts may be eligible for treatment:

  • Solid organ cancer

  • Haematological disease or stem cell recipients

  • Solid organ transplant recipients

  • Renal disease

  • Liver disease

  • Down’s syndrome or other chromosomal disorders known to affect immune competence

  • Immune deficiencies

  • HIV/AIDS

  • Neurological Disorders

  • Respiratory Conditions.


In addition to the above high risk cohorts of patients, from 11 June 2024 the following cohort of patients may be eligible for Paxlovid treatment, if they test positive for COVID-19 and are symptomatic: 


  • people aged 85 years and over

  • people with end-stage heart failure who have a long-term ventricular assistance device

  • people on the organ transplant waiting list

  • people aged 70 years and over – who are a resident in a care home or who are already hospitalised.

  • People who have a BMI 35 kg/m2 or more – who are a resident in a care home or who are already hospitalised

  • People who are diabetic – who are a resident in a care home or who are already hospitalised

  • People with heart failure – who are a resident in a care home or who are already hospitalised.

 

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