Covid Medicine Delivery Unit (CMDU)

The outline of the COVID-19 virus. The COVID-19 Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU) 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.

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.

More information is available on the NHS website at  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/treatments-for-covid-19.

Obtaining oral antiviral medication

From Monday August 12, 2024, the way in which the public obtain COVID oral antiviral medication will be changing. 

If you are deemed eligible for oral antiviral medication by Mid and South Essex COVID Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU), the oral medication will be prescribed by CMDU Clinical Nurse Specialists, and the prescription sent electronically to be dispensed by a community pharmacy.

Many community pharmacies in Mid and south Essex are now holding stock of COVID oral antiviral medication or are able to order it in quickly- so try your usual community pharmacy first.

On Bank Holidays and at weekends not all community pharmacies are open and opening times may vary. Use Find a pharmacy  to check if a pharmacy is open or to find open pharmacies in your area. You are advised to telephone your chosen community pharmacy to check availability of the prescribed medicine before travelling, particularly if this is a long distance.  The patient, relative or carer will need to collect the medication from the community pharmacy.

If you are unable to obtain your oral antiviral medication from a community pharmacy within a 24-hour window of the prescription being issued, contact us using the details stated below during opening times. If after these times please leave a voicemail or send an email with your full name, DOB and telephone number and we will contact you back the next working day.

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Free lateral flow tests

The NHS offers COVID-19 treatment to people with COVID-19 who are at risk of becoming seriously ill. 

You can get free COVID 19 rapid lateral flow tests from a community pharmacy if you are potentially eligible for COVID-19 treatment. To access treatment, eligible patients first need to be able to test themselves by using a lateral flow device test if they develop symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. It is therefore important that they have lateral flow device tests at their home in advance of developing symptoms, so they can promptly undertake a test. 

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/find-a-pharmacy-that-offers-free-COVID-19-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

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Contact us

If you have any questions, email mse.nmabs@nhs.net or call 0300 44 35919 between the hours of 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday or 9am to 1pm Bank holidays (excluding Christmas day). This service is closed at weekends.

If you call out of these working hours, please leave a voicemail and a clinical nurse specialist will call you back the next working day.

To find out how we use your information, visit Privacy Policy - what information do we collect and use.