More than 800 people have been contacted as part of a long covid follow up service which was set up in December by the Walsall Together Partnership.
As part of the service, anyone aged 18 of over, who has been discharged from Walsall Manor Hospital with covid-19, receives a post covid information booklet outlining simple measures that can be taken to ease symptoms and contacts for other sources of help and a follow up call within six weeks from a trained professional. During the call they identify any ongoing problems which need specific treatments, including psychological support and if required a face-to-face assessment or virtual support and rehabilitation.
Donna Roberts, Deputy Director of Operations within the Community Division, said: “Lots of people who have had covid 19 recover fairly well but for many of the patients we are seeing they are still suffering from the effects of the virus months later. They are tired, get out of breathe easily and struggle to do what would have been the simplest of things for them before.
“It’s really frustrating for them but we are working with them to help them manage their condition, provide treatment including therapy where needed as well as mental health support and advice.
“Thanks to our great multi-disciplinary team working we have been able to make contact and refer into the right services as quickly as possible to enable our patients to start recover as soon as possible.”
Sharon Marney, a patient who has benefitted from the service, said: “Since starting my covid journey in hospital, I cannot fault the service I have received from the NHS at all.
“I was discharged onto the Safe at Home pathway following my discharge from hospital and the nurses were amazing. I felt at ease knowing they would call to see how I was feeling day to day.
“I then received a phone call a few weeks after being discharged off the Safe at home pathway from the Long covid team. I had a lengthy conversation with one of the lovely nurses who asked me a series of questions about how I was now feeling.
“The questions were simple but effective to how I was feeling in some aspects. I was still suffering with my breathing, as I have asthma too. The chat made me feel at ease and really helped me try to understand how I was feeling. I felt much better after the conversation being able to discuss my concerns with a medical professional. I cannot fault the service one bit. From the start all the Drs, Nurses and NHS have been brilliant throughout my covid journey.”
It is hoped this service will be extended soon, to support anyone who is recovering from the effects of covid 19, even if they weren’t admitted to hospital.
