AQW 25789/17-22


Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast


Tabled Date: 15/11/2021
Answered On Date: 13/01/2022
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health what specific guidance has been issued to General Practices regarding the referral of patients who may have long COVID.


Answer:
Post COVID-19 syndrome (commonly referred to as long COVID) is a new and emerging condition which presents many challenges when trying to determine best practice based on current evidence.
GPs have access to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) rapid guideline ‘Management of the long-term effects of COVID-19’, SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) and RCGP (Royal College of General Practitioner) guidelines.
From 1st November 2021 one-stop-shop multidisciplinary (MDT) assessment clinics have been accepting referrals for post COVID-19 syndrome across all Trust areas. The MDT clinics allow people to have a comprehensive assessment of their condition and will help them access the services and expert advice they need to support them in their recovery. They refer patients on to other services where appropriate, and provide patients with advice on how to manage their condition to aid recovery.
GPs are able to refer patients with post COVID-19 syndrome for assessment at MDT clinics but have not been asked to develop their own clinical pathways. When GPs access the electronic referral system it highlights appropriate GP tests that should be considered prior to referral and also links to NICE guidance.
The MDT clinic is one element of the suite of services that are being established for post-COVID-19 patients. Other elements include:
Bespoke pulmonary rehabilitation / dysfunctional breathing service for patients with significant respiratory symptoms post COVID-19;
Additional support for patients discharged from critical care (both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19);
Strengthening psychology support to all Trusts; and,
Signposting and access to self-management resources.
Work is well advanced on establishing these services across Trusts.
My Department will continue to review services on an ongoing basis to ensure the best possible help and advice is available to those suffering from post COVID-19 symptoms.