Healthwatch Trafford publish new report on Long COVID support
COVID-19 has been a consistent presence in the United Kingdom for over 18 months, and since then many have reported symptoms of a post viral condition collectively known as Long COVID.
The NHS defines Long COVID as “symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone”. A long list of possible symptoms has been collected by the NHS and more information on the definition can be found here:
Healthwatch Trafford conducted a survey to help us understand what the community knew about Long COVID, how much they knew about support resources, and what their experiences were.
What did we find?
Almost all the respondents had heard of the term ‘Long COVID’.
- The internet and GP surgeries were the most popular places where people might go to learn more about Long COVID. The next most likely sources were the NHS app and NHS 111.
- Only a small proportion of respondents had heard about the existing support, found online at www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk and available in person through the Manchester COVID-19 peer support group.
- Just over half the people surveyed had not had Long COVID. Of those that had, most did not seek further support from health services.
Our recommendations:
There needs to be more awareness of the support available for those with Long COVID in Trafford.
- Though progress has been made due to Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) creating a webpage about Long COVID, local people would benefit from more widely available basic information about possible symptoms and dedicated resources, both online and via peer support.
- Our report looked at possible avenues for sharing information on Long COVID and found that GPs would be the best way to reach people. Vaccination centres and other health sites such as pharmacies could also be considered.
- The pathway for people with suspected Long COVID needs to be clearer.
- Our understanding is that people who believe they have post-COVID symptoms that require further investigation should first see their GP. Otherwise, people should consult the dedicated NHS website at www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk.
- It would be useful for people to understand what is likely to happen if their GP is not able to resolve any issues they have.
Our findings have been shared with Trafford Council and Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
More information from Trafford CCG on Long COVID can be found here.
