Coronavirus: Funding released for urgent health checks on 'vulnerable'

Friday 13 March 2020

Funding for GPs and care providers to carry out urgent checks on islanders over 80 and those with chronic conditions is being released by Jersey's government to tackle the growing coronavirus public health emergency.

The plans were one of several measures unveiled following a meeting of the Emergencies Council, which is led by the Chief Minister, in the Old Library of Jersey's Royal Court building yesterday afternoon.

Following the meeting, the Council of Ministers agreed:

• GPs and primary care providers will receive Government funding to carry out free health checks on Islanders aged 80 and older and those with chronic conditions, who are deemed ‘at risk’ from coronavirus
• Non-essential government business travel is immediately suspended for all government employees
• Large scale events and public gatherings are to be reviewed and may need to be postponed, based on health advice and the event’s circumstances
• Arrangements for schools and colleges are being considered, based on health advice

Under the plans, islanders deemed most at risk from coronavirus will be contacted by GPs over the coming week to assess their medication treatment plans and general welfare.

Islanders falling into this category include the over-80s, and patients of any age with diabetes (type 1 and 2), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure and asthma.

Each individual will be offered advice on how to limit the risk of contracting the virus by limiting their interaction with other islanders.

Dr Adrian Noon, Primary Care Medical Director for the Health Department, said he welcomed the decision.

He added that it will be "an intensive but necessary piece of work", noting: “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, Chair of the Primary Care Body, added that the group had "worked hard to secure funding for GPs in Jersey to be able to provide a rapid assessment and clinical review".

He continued: "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.”

A number of island residential homes have been closing to visitors in a bid to stop the spread of Covid-19.

This morning, St. Ewold's, which specialises in elderly and dementia care, joined that group, explaining: “Whilst appreciating the inconvenience that this will undoubtedly cause, we feel that taking this precautionary measure now is in the best interests of our residents.

“The St. Ewold’s Team will discuss the practicalities of how this will work with residents, family and friends."

For more information about coronavirus, including the list of affected countries and advice on when to self-isolate, click HERE.

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