New service launched to help those with symptoms of ‘long covid’
The Post-COVID Assessment Service is for people with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 that continue for more than 12 weeks and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Lasting symptoms of coronavirus can include fatigue, breathlessness, anxiety and depression, joint or muscle pain, chest pains, and not being able to focus or think straight.
NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group received funding to establish the service to meet the varied needs of the local population. Patients must be referred to the NCH&C service by their GP or healthcare provider. Once referred, staff from NCH&C will make contact with patients who will be triaged using nationally recommended screening tools. Support will be based on individual need and may include: discussion with relevant therapists to agree appropriate treatment; group therapy sessions; and/or use of the Your Covid Recovery website. NCH&C will be working in partnership with East Coast Community Health (ECCH) and Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust (NSFT) to deliver some of the services offered.
Plans for 43 clinics were previously announced by NHS England in November. Norfolk Community Health and Care Trust has been named as one of the expanded network of 60 sites, seven of which will be in the East of England.