ALMOST 6,000 patients at highest risk from the effects of Covid-19 have received ground breaking treatments in the last year.
Northern Ireland's Outpatient Covid-19 Treatment services (OCTs) uses antivirals and monoclonal antibodies which can be administered either via tablets or capsules that can be taken at home or through a drip in the patient's arm.
Since last December, around 5,900 eligible patients at highest risk in the community have received treatments which previously would only have been available to people who were hospitalised with it.
Praising the work being undertaken, Chief Medical Officer Sir Michael McBride said the important treatment helped some of the most vulnerable in society.
"During the past year there have been many policy and guidance changes; to the testing regime, changes in treatments and introduction of new treatments in response to emerging evidence and changes in the course of the pandemic," he said.
"It is an incredible achievement that HSC NI has been able to adapt and respond to these changes alongside other clinical and operational pressures to see over 5,900 treatments provided to those at highest risk of deterioration from Covid-19 infection.
"It remains vital that those who have not been vaccinated get their jab and those eligible for boosters come forward as soon as possible as vaccines remain our greatest defence against Covid-19. These treatments however continue to play a significant part in protecting those most at risk from this virus and also in helping to ease pressures on the health service."
The treatments available are for people who have symptoms and have tested positive, using a lateral flow test, and are at highest risk of getting seriously ill. The new treatments need to be given quickly after a positive lateral flow test result to be most effective.
Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Cathy Harrison said: “Antivirals and monoclonal antibodies have been shown to improve survival and recovery time and provide an additional layer of support for patients. The roll-out of these treatments to the most vulnerable patients is a significant milestone in our continuing battle."