People who test positive for COVID-19 in Coventry and Warwickshire and who are at the highest risk of becoming seriously unwell are now able to refer themselves for potentially lifesaving treatment.

Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) have launched a new self-referral form that allows patients who are in the highest risk group to access treatment without having to wait to speak to a medical professional should they receive a positive test.

Eligibility:

Patients who are considered to be at high risk of progression to severe COVID-19 should have already received a letter from NHS England.

Additionally, the following groups of patients will be eligible for treatment:

• people aged 85 years and over
• people with end-stage heart failure who have a long-term ventricular assistance device
• people on the organ transplant waiting list
• people aged 70 years and over, or who have a BMI of 35 kg/m² or more, diabetes or heart failure, and:
• are a resident in a care home, or
• are already hospitalised.

If eligible patients test positive for COVID, they should refer themselves into the Respiratory Home service, who are responsible for the community based COVID Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU), using the new self-referral form.

High risk COVID patients can also still contact their GP practice, NHS 111 or hospital specialist (if they have one) as soon as possible so that the healthcare professional can consider referral for an assessment for treatment.

Find out more about the treatments for COVID.

If you care for someone, you are entitled to your own carers' assessment. A Carers' Assessment is an opportunity to speak to someone about your caring role, the impact that caring has on you, what is important to you and what you might like to see change.  We know that very often when caring, the focus of conversations can be on the person you are caring for and very often your needs might feel forgotten about, a carers' assessment is the opportunity to have your needs looked at.  

An assessment can also explore if there is anything that help you meet your needs, improve your wellbeing and what changes you'd like to see.  A Carers' Direct Payment might be offered if there is something you'd like to achieve or see happen or something you're struggling with and need help to achieve.  We have developed a Carers' Direct Payment Leaflet to explain a bit more about what a Carers' Direct Payment is and how it can be used and eligibility. Every situation is different but we've put some examples in there to help you think of how it might help.

There are two ways in which you can request a Carers' Assessment:  

• If the person you care for is open to Adult Social Care speak to your case manager or contact the duty team - 024 7683 3003 
• Contact the Carers Trust Heart of England who can arrange an assessment for you -  024 7663 2972

The recovery Academy have a Coping with Caring course scheduled for online delivery (via Zoom) on 17 September from 1pm until 3pm and its open to anyone over the age of 18 living in Coventry and Warwickshire. Enrolment is via our website. 

Have you heard of West Midlands Bus on Demand? 

They provide an accessible transport service for low cost in and around Coventry!

It operates 7 days a week: Monday to Friday, 6am to 11pm, Saturday, 8am to 11pm, Sunday, 8am to 3.30pm. 

You will need to register if you would like to use the service. Download the app on Google Play for Android or the App Store for iOS or you can also register without the app by calling 0345 034 8670.

The phone lines are open Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm, Saturday: 8am to 4pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays: Closed. 

Concessionary fare

• 0 - 1.5 miles: £1
• 1.5 - 5 miles: £1.50
• 5 - 10 miles: £2
• 10+ miles: £2.50

The price of your journey will be confirmed when you book, you can either pay by cash on the bus or by card once your journey is complete. You are eligible for the concessionary discount if you are over 67 years old and/or have a registered disability. 

Once you have booked you will be able to add additional passengers for £1 per person regardless of journey length. You can add up to 10 people to one booking. Concessionary passes cannot be used on group or bulk bookings. 

You’ll be told exactly when and where to catch the bus. If you use the app, you can follow the bus in real-time. You will also receive a text message reminder 10 and 5 minutes before arrival. 

Wheelchair users

WM Bus on Demand use accessible minibuses with space for a wheelchair. You can also bring assistance dogs on the bus. 

If you are a wheelchair user we will need to do an assessment before you are able to use the service. To arrange this, please call 0345 034 8670. 

Love4Life is hosting a club night on 13 September 2024 from 7:30pm - 10:30pm, exclusively for all adults (18 years +), with learning disabilities and autism. With each ticket sold (£10 each) a carer/support can come too for free. Get your tickets.

Love4Life presents Love Lounge, the ultimate pop-up nightclub where everyone can shine! Designed with heart and creativity, Love Lounge is a vibrant and inclusive haven for people with learning disabilities and autism. Here, the magic happens as soon as you step through the doors.

Imagine a space filled with dazzling lights that dance to the rhythm of the music, creating a sensory wonderland. Our DJ spins the best tunes, from the latest hits to timeless classics, ensuring there's something for everyone to groove to. The music is carefully curated with varying tempos and volumes to suit different sensory needs, making sure everyone can enjoy the beat in their own way.

At Love Lounge, the dance floor is a place where everyone can express themselves freely. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just love to move, you'll find a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every step is celebrated.

Love Lounge isn't just a nightclub; it's a community where friendships blossom and memories are made. So come on down and experience a night of joy, laughter, and endless fun. At Love Lounge, everyone is a VIP, and the only rule is to have a fantastic time!

So join us at the 147 Club, 147 Far Gosford Street, Coventry, CV1 5DY 

To find out more check out the website, email Jenna or call 07798 773657.

Hundreds of people in Coventry are now able to enjoy a day at the War Memorial Park, with less to worry about, after a new specialist toilet facility was opened.

A new Changing Places toilet was recently opened at the park. The unit is one of the most advanced forms of accessible toilets for people with profound and multiple disabilities. It includes specialist equipment, such as a hoist, with plenty of room for the user and up to two carers.

The Council has installed five new Changing Places toilets at the War Memorial Park, Coombe Abbey Park, Shop Mobility, Albany Theatre and at Tesco – Cross Point. 

There are also seven other Changing Places toilets registered in Coventry, at: The Reel Store; Wilfred Spencer Centre; Asda Whitley; Central Library; University of Warwick Sports and Wellness Hub – Dry Sports and University of Warwick Sports and Wellness Hub – Pool side and Coventry University.          

The Wave and the Coventry Railway Station also have the facilities. 

Working in partnership with Coventry City Council, Act on Energy can help residents in the Coventry area with free impartial energy advice which includes:

• Grants to replace an inefficient or broken boiler/heating system, (contact us to check eligibility for the Keeping Coventry Warm Scheme)
• Dealing with damp and mould
• Help with energy bill issues
• Benefits checks (help with applying for benefits)
• Retrofit advice (how to improve the insulation of your home and access available grants)
• Home visits 
• Advice on reducing energy use

To find out more about any of the above, please contact our fully trained energy advisors on our freephone number: 0800 988 2881. Further information on the Keeping Coventry Warm scheme can also be found on our Act on Energy website.

We have published several reports recently highlighting people’s experiences of health and care services including:

• Young people’s experiences of health and care
• Experiences of health and care - focus on men
• Perspectives of people living in Foleshill Coventry
• Our latest 3 monthly report on what people think about access the NHS services

In case you missed it:

Our annual report summarising the difference we made for local people last year was published in July.

You can find all our reports to download from our website.