LEADING THE WAY IN LONG COVID CARE

Post Covid-19 Inpatient Rehabilitation Programme

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, our knowledge of the virus has steadily grown, with increased understanding of how to contain the virus and the best approach for treating patients.

One aspect of the virus about which we are continuing to discover more every day is the condition known as ‘Long Covid’ – a term encompassing the multifaceted range of symptoms that can persist for weeks, or even months, beyond the initial illness. With data by the O ce for National Statistics estimating that one in 10 people infected with Covid-19 experience symptoms that last for three months or longer, this is clearly a signifi cant problem impacting many people globally.

At Cromwell Hospital, we have introduced new, expert-led inpatient and outpatient services to support patients with Long Covid to recover and return to their optimum health. Our Long Covid services are delivered by multidisciplinary teams, with leading specialists collaborating to design bespoke treatment plans tailored to the symptoms and needs of each individual patient.

Long Covid Clinic

The Long Covid Clinic is led by a team of world-leading consultants specialising in treating respiratory conditions. At the clinic, tailored treatment plans are prescribed to address the varied symptoms of Long Covid. These include respiratory issues, fatigue and joint or muscle pain, as well as any mental health symptoms, such as anxiety.

After an initial consultation, a personalised set of tests will be devised and, from this, a tailored treatment plan will be created. If required, the treatment plan will incorporate onward referrals to other key specialists, including cardiologists, neurologists, specialist respiratory physiotherapists, as well as sleep experts and psychiatrists.

Dr Brian O’Connor, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine and the lead for the Long Covid Clinic and Post Covid-19 Rehabilitation Programme adds: “We know people are experiencing ongoing symptoms of Covid-19, from struggling with memory or concentration levels to suffering breathlessness during everyday activities. Our new clinic helps people access the right support for their individual needs.”

The Post Covid-19 Inpatient Rehabilitation Programme has been set-up for patients experiencing ongoing, severe symptoms of Long Covid, who may have already been treated in hospital for Covid-19. In these instances, an inpatient stay in hospital may be recommended to support the patient in making a full recovery.

Following an initial clinical assessment, a personalised treatment plan is designed. This will be unique to the patient and with a recommended duration– usually a seven to fourteen night stay in hospital.

The rehabilitation programme provides a range of different treatments to support the patient on their path to recovery. These may include a combination of daily physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, dietetic sessions and consultations with consultant physicians, including psychiatrists, respiratory specialists, cardiologists and pain specialists.

“There’s a clear need for more support when it comes to Long Covid. Patients are reporting varying symptoms which are preventing them from returning to work and continuing with their daily routines before they contracted the virus,” says Philip Luce, CEO at the Cromwell Hospital.

“I’m delighted that we’ve opened this clinic to support and provide personalised treatment plans for patients struggling with the long-term impact of Covid-19.” To find out more about Long Covid care at Cromwell Hospital visit: www.cromwellhospital.com/ postcovid19care