The way that Covid Treatment is accessed has now changed.
If your medical records currently show that you have a health condition which means that treatment could reduce the chance of you becoming seriously ill from Covid, this needs to be started soon after you begin to experience symptoms. You may have previously been told that the NHS would contact you about treatment once you report a positive Covid test. This is no longer the case.
1. You should keep lateral flow tests at home
You should keep lateral flow tests at home but only use them if you get symptoms. If you do not have any tests, you can order them free of charge from https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests or by calling 119. You can also now use tests purchased from a pharmacy or shop.
From 1 October 2023, the way you access tests may change. You will be able to check www.nhs.uk/CovidTreatments for more information closer to the time.
2. Take a rapid lateral flow test if you get symptoms
If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, take a rapid lateral flow test as soon as possible, even if your symptoms are mild.
3. If you test positive for Covid:
You should contact your GP practice, NHS 111 or hospital specialist as soon as possible after you test positive so that they can consider referring you for an assessment for treatment.
More information is available at: www.nhs.uk/CovidTreatments
Following referral from your GP, NHS 111 or your hospital specialist, our local Covid Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU) will contact you where there will be an assessment carried out by a clinician who will advise and arrange COVID treatment if suitable.
Our North West London CMDU service is based at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital and is available for all highest risk patients, including children who are eligible for COVID treatments and registered with a GP in the North West London boroughs of Brent, Central London, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, West London.