13 March 2020
Health and Community Services and the Primary Care Body has welcomed the decision of the Emergencies Council that GPs and primary care providers will receive Government funding to carry out health checks on Islanders aged 80 and older and those with chronic conditions, who are deemed 'at risk' from coronavirus.
Under the plans to help protect Islanders deemed most at risk of coronavirus, GPs will soon contact patients aged over 80 and those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Each individual will be offered advice on how to limit their risk of contracting coronavirus including by limiting their interaction with other Islanders.
Dr Adrian Noon, Primary Care medical director for HCS said: “We welcome this decision warmly. It is essential that older and vulnerable islanders are given this opportunity. It is an intensive but necessary piece of work and I know that my primary care colleagues are enthusiastic about it and see the value in it, as does Government.
“GPs have a great relationship with their patients, and are perfectly placed to offer reassurance, advice and care at what we know for some people is a worrying time. We want to get people as well as possible, and as a GP myself, I’d urge anyone who is offered this check to take it up. It’s a great opportunity, and free of charge. Please take it up and have peace of mind.”
Dr Nigel Minihane, the chair of the Primary Care Body added; “The threat of coronavirus (COVID-19) to the population has been well described by the Chief Minister on 12th March 2020. Health and the primary care board have worked hard to secure funding for GPs in Jersey to be able to provide a rapid assessment and clinical review of all patients over 80 and patients of any age who have the following conditions; diabetes (type 1 and 2) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure or asthma.;
“Your GP practice will be contacting you shortly to review your medication treatment plans and general welfare.
We know that this can reduce the risks to this patient group from COVID-19 and we aim to finish this as soon as possible. This is a free service funded to the GPs by HCS and you will not have to pay for the consultation or any change in medication arising from it.
We know that this can reduce the effects of the virus and improve the population’s general health. We would encourage all eligible people to make use of this service when it is offered to them.”
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