A DUDLEY GP surgery is one of the first in the West Midlands to trial a drug to slow the progression of Covid-19.

Eve Hill Medical Practice, on Himley Road, is among the first to take part in the national Principle Covid-19 research study to test the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine in treating the virus.

The medication, which is an anti-malaria drug, will be given to patients who have tested positive for, or are believed to have, coronavirus, following a consultation with their GP at the surgery on the phone or by video link.

The trial will test the effectiveness of the medication in slowing the progression of the virus and if successful, it is hoped it will lead to fewer people with Covid-19 requiring hospital treatment

Dr David Shukla, who is the lead GP for the practice, said: "It's a way of potentially testing what medicines can be issued in helping people recover or reduce the need to go to to hospital."

Dr Shukla, who is also a Clinical Research Lead for the Clinical Research Network West Midlands, said the practice is well placed to carry out the trial as the surgery is a well-known research practice in the West Midlands, normally trialling medication for influenza.

He added: "The Network is committed to prioritising the set-up and delivery of vital research into Covid-19, and its staff have been working hard in collaboration with the study team and staff from our member GP Practices to fast-track the set-up of this important trial."

The trial will target patients aged over 50 with long term health conditions, who are experiencing the symptoms of Covid-19 such as a continuous cough and high temperature.

Up to 3,000 people will take part in the trial across the UK.

The trial medication and testing swabs will be delivered to participant's homes to avoid patients having to visit the surgery in person.