Eleven months after the Isle of Wight’s Long Covid Clinic was launched, a total of 226 patients have been referred for a consultation at St Mary’s Hospital.
Earlier in the year, News OnTheWight set out in detail how the Long Covid Service works, the process for being referred and then seen by one of the five specialists.
By early June, around 140 patients had been referred to the Long Covid Clinic, but Isle of Wight NHS Trust tell News OnTheWight that there are 226 patients – an additional 86 – involved with the service.
Six-weeks to get answer
It took News OnTheWight over six weeks and an exchange of 18 emails to finally get the figures from IW NHS Trust.
As the number of referrals was shared with News OnTheWight during our interview with the head of the Long Covid Clinic in June, it appeared to be a seemingly simple question. Although data on the number of Long Covid referrals across the region is released by NHS England, IW figures are not included with the weekly release.
What is Long Covid?
The symptoms of Long Covid, lasting for at least 12 weeks after having had Covid, include; tiredness, shortness of breath, coughs and chest pains, as well as headaches and muscle pain.
Service offered five days a week
Sarah Kearney, Long COVID Service Lead said,
“We are delighted to be delivering this service on the Island five days a week, Monday and Friday 8am to 6pm.
“Accessibility to this service is important to us and we triage all GP referrals sent through – we are here to support those in need and urge anyone experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 for more than 12 weeks to contact their GP.”
Referrals through GP only
Those who think they might have Long Covid, must be referred via their GP. Isle of Wight NHS Trust say this is essential to ensure these patients have full medical oversight and have been screened as per the service requirements and criteria.
They explain it’s also essential these patients have been given a full assessment via a face-to face-in person appointment, before the referral is made.
