Patients rate new at-home Covid-19 treatment five stars out of five

The first patients in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire to benefit from a new at-home treatment for Covid-19 have spoken highly of their experience.

Hundreds of people across the region have so far had their Covid-19 diagnosis treated remotely via the Oximetry @Home service, which monitors the oxygen levels of clinically vulnerable patients through a mobile device.

The collected data is sent to clinical teams for review, who then contact patients if there are any concerns about oxygen levels.

Ninety-seven per cent of the 157 patients who used Oximetry @Home in December 2021 said they would give their experience five stars out of five, with the other three per cent awarding four stars.

Dr Ruth Grabham, Medical Director, said: “When it comes to Covid-19, we know that staying at home is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of the virus, so this new service which allows us to care for people in their own homes is just the ticket.

“Not only does Oximetry @Home allow us to keep our beds reserved for the very sickest Covid-19 patients, but it also helps to reduce the number of positive coronavirus patients coming into our hospitals, who could potentially pass the virus on to staff and other patients.

“Of course, the biggest advantage is that patients are able to stay in the comfort of their own home, and to hear that so many people have had a positive experience of the service so far is just fantastic.”

One recipient of Oximetry @Home described the service as amazing, and said it proved to be a lifeline to the outside world when her husband, who also had Covid-19, was admitted to hospital.

She said: “I’m not sure what I would have done without you.

“Your daily phone call was like a ray of sunshine, and I would look forward to it so I could speak to someone and feel reassured.”

Currently, only patients who are thought to be most at risk of becoming seriously unwell with Covid-19, such as those aged over 65, pregnant women and people with a learning disability, are offered the new at-home service.

People who are eligible will be contacted by their GP practice, either through a text message or phone call, with the oxygen-monitoring device, known as a pulse oximeter, then delivered to their home.

Daily oxygen readings are sent automatically to clinicians for review each time the patient places the device on the end of their finger. 

People are encouraged to stay on top of Covid-19 by having the necessary vaccinations needed to achieve full protection, which for most people will be two primary doses and a third booster jab.

Vaccines continue to be available from a number of venues located at sites across the region.

For more information on Oximetry @Home, as well as the Covid-19 vaccine, visit www.bswccg.nhs.uk.