Cromwell Hospital in Kensington, London has announced the opening of its new long COVID clinic.
According to the hospital, the new clinic provides ‘personalised treatment plans’ for a number of physical symptoms, including respiratory issues, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, as well as focusing on patients’ mental health.
The long COVID clinic, which is open for five days a week, is led by a team of consultants who specialise in treating respiratory conditions. This means they are able to tailor treatment plans to patients’ individual needs and can provide onwards referrals to other specialists such as cardiologists, neurologists, respiratory physiotherapists and psychiatrists.
Philip Luce, Hospital Director at Cromwell Hospital said: “There’s a clear need for more support when it comes to long COVID. Patients are reporting varying symptoms which are preventing them from returning to work and continuing with their daily routines before they contracted the virus.
“I’m delighted that we’ve opened this clinic to support and provide personalised treatment plans for patients struggling with the long-term impact of COVID-19.”
Dr Brian O’Connor, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine and the lead for the long COVID clinic, added: “We know people are experiencing ongoing symptoms of COVID-19, from struggling with memory or concentration levels to suffering breathlessness during everyday activities. Our new clinic helps people access the right support for their individual needs.”
According to data from the Office for National Statistics, one in 10 people infected with COVID-19 experience symptoms that last for three months or more, which highlights the extent of the pressures faced by healthcare providers.
