Message from Rhuematology, COVID-19 treatment, for Portsmouth area.

[paulogribiz]

Message from Portsmouth Rhuematology, which only relates to people in that area.

Dear Rheumatology Patient

Local processes have been updated for those on immunosuppressant

medication (excluding apremilast, sulfasalazine and

hydroxychloroquine). From 10th February 2022, you may be eligible

for COVID-19 treatment if you are test positive for covid-19 on a

lateral flow test AND are symptomatic, without having to have a PCR

test for confirmation.

To assist with this, please report your positive lateral flow test on the

government website: gov.uk/report-covid19-result

Please contact the Rheumatology Patient advice and information line

02392 286935 or email [e-mail] if you

think you have become eligible so that we can ensure you are offered

appropriate treatment. You no longer need to wait for a PCR test

result.

[Normal4me]

Having tested positive by LFT with symptoms and being on Methotrexate the NHS called me on day 5 telling me I am a candidate for the new treatment…I answered very good but too late!

[KittyJ]

What area is this please as it says local processes?

[Hidden in reply to KittyJ]

It’s Portsmouth, Kitty.

[KittyJ in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[Oshgosh]

Thank you

[Hidden]

This would appear to be local advice to this specific CCG, and therefore won’t apply to anyone not under their care; you might want to clarify in the post that it only applies to anyone under Portsmouth.

[paulogribiz]

I received from my rheumy at Queen Alexandra hospital in Portsmouth, i have no idea if it just a local thing or nationwide.

[Hidden in reply to paulogribiz]

This is only relevant to Portsmouth patients, hence the Portsmouth rheumatology phone number and that you were given it by the department. Some other CCGs may have a similar process, but the information in your post only applies to those under this CCG’s care.

[KittyJ in reply to paulogribiz]

You can edit the main post Paul 😊

[paulogribiz in reply to KittyJ]

Done, thanks

[Runrig01]

Interesting as NHSE have stated that meds like methotrexate and Azathioprine are only considered when taken alongside a biologic. I would find it hard to believe that local areas can adjust the eligibility criteria. The accepting of LFT came into effect yesterday, but seems to have been quietly sneaked in, although not sure why. The full document re eligibility nationally is available here, as well as information on choices. The new Pfizer drug interacts with many drugs including cholesterol meds and blood thinners, so will be out of reach to many, which is a shame as it has an efficacy of 87% for keeping people out of hospital. There is an appendix listing meds it interacts with in this document

england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/...

[Poshcards]

Very interesting, basically I had a draft one sent me from my MP as he has been trying to sort out why I haven't received my letter and PCR tests etc. and he said it is now down to your rheumy to send out these letters x