Service detail

The Post-Covid service is for people who cannot shake off the effects of the virus months after initially falling ill. Symptoms are wide-ranging and fluctuating, and can include breathlessness, chronic fatigue, “brain fog”, anxiety and stress.

What happens when you are referred to our service?

At assessment stage you will have a booked appointment with one of our clinical screeners to talk about and review your symptoms. They will then decide the next steps. We have a wide scale of input to offer including an eight-week virtual programme, in-person home visits, and a personalised online recovery platform.

Following the virtual programme you will have the opportunity to join our peer support groups. This is a community of your peers who understand the recovery process, led by one of our peer support workers, to talk and share as you navigate the self management of symptoms. Within our service we have extremely experienced respiratory and neurological physiotherapists, occupational therapists and a team of medical professionals who meet weekly to discuss patients and formulate the best plan going forward. We also have links with the psychology service.

Our clinicians will guide you through your individualised rehabilitation plan to empower and enable you to take charge of your own recovery! It is important to understand that not everyone will be offered the same input as the screener will decide the most appropriate pathway for you and your symptoms.

How long will it take for me to get back to normal?

Recovery is individual and there is no timeline for when the symptoms will go. We understand the frustration of living with these symptoms. The symptoms can also vary, so not everyone is affected in the same way. It's important not to compare yourself to others. Our clinicians are experienced and can help you to manage the symptoms in the best way. We recommend a slow and cautious return to work that is approached with flexibility.

Are there any experimental treatments you can offer?

Currently, there are no evidence-based medical treatments for Post-Covid Syndrome. There is lots of information about new treatments available on the internet and social media, but these treatments have not been tested in vigorous scientific trials. Subsequently, NHS England has yet to approve any medical treatments for Post-Covid Syndrome; therefore, we cannot prescribe experimental treatments. There are vast amounts of ongoing research worldwide. If you have questions about any of these, you can speak to the team who will be happy to discuss this with you.

What can family, friends and employers do to help?

Sufferers of Post-Covid Syndrome can experience a wide range or fluctuating symptoms that can have a big impact on their lives. Naturally, this will often affect their family, friends, loved ones, their work and hobbies that make them the person they are. This can be really hard, but families, friends and work colleagues are vital in helping recovery. A supportive and non-judgemental attitude is really helpful. Many of the symptoms of Post-Covid Syndrome are hidden and this can lead to some people feeling they are not believed or taken seriously. Kindness, empathy, and an understanding of how much their life has changed really helps. We recommend a very slow and cautious return to work, especially working from home if possible - this makes it much easier to pace activities. It is helpful to understand the illness, we are therefore happy for family members to sit in with you for appointments.

Print out our leaflet

The information above is available in leaflet form, which you can print out here:  Post Covid Service patient Info leaflet June 2022.pdf 1MB