Dexamethasone: Life-saving drug to be rolled out across Northern Ireland ahead of second Covid wave

Health Minister Robin Swann signalled that Dexamethasone, which tests have shown has reduced the risk of fatalities among patients on ventilation by as much as 35% and patients on oxygen by 20%, is to be made available.

The Minister hailed it as an important breakthrough in the treatment of the coronavirus.

Mr Swann said: “Dexamethasone is ready available to be immediately used in our hospitals for the treatment of Covid-19. Science and research has been at the forefront of the response to the coronavirus pandemic and will continue to be well into the future.

“While we are easing restrictions and taking steps to come out of lockdown, this news may not seem significant. However we must all remember this virus is still with us, it is still circulating in our communities. It is still a threat.

“The positive findings for Dexamethasone will allow us to roll the drug out across Northern Ireland in advance of a potential second wave, providing huge benefits to those most impacted by the infection, ultimately helping to save lives.”

Dexamethasone is one of several drugs to be trialled in the largest randomised controlled clinical trial for Covid-19 treatments in the world, led by Oxford University and funded by the government through the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR).

Meanwhile, Economy Minister Diane Dodds has re-allocated around £30m from within her Department’s budget to address emerging Covid-19 pressures on public finances.

With all Executive Departments being given a special dispensation to re-allocate non-ring fenced budget, the Minister indicated she will use up to £24m in resource/day-to-day funding and £6m in capital funding for the recovery and rebuild phases of the Department for Economy’s response to the pandemic.

Mrs Dodds confirmed: “I have allocated £13.6m to address pressures in skills and education, including focusing resources on apprenticeship and training programmes and on further and higher education. I have also allocated a further £9.6million towards initiatives to help businesses that are vulnerable but viable, through support measures to be delivered by Invest NI, Tourism NI and InterTradeIreland. Among the capital re-allocations that I have agreed is funding for vocational education IT and support to vulnerable but viable businesses to help them change how they work.”