Critical Care launch novel clinic to identify ‘long Covid’ problems for recovering patients
The critical care unit at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has launched a comprehensive and innovative virtual multidisciplinary clinic for recovering Covid-19 patients. The pilot clinic will act as a one-stop-shop for patients who have recovered from a critical illness secondary to Covid-19 and will involve rehabilitation coordinators, specialised therapists (speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology) and critical care consultants. UHNM is one of the first trusts in the northern area to offer this service, which will run for four months.
Dr Ram Matsa, Consultant Intensivist and Lead for Critical Care Rehabilitation and Follow-up said: “Although the full extent of the rehabilitation needs of people recovering from Covid-19 are not yet known, the NHS Discharge to Assess Model predicts that 50% of people will require health or social care services after they have been discharged. This pilot clinic will therefore focus on helping patients to identify the long-term physical, mental and cognitive impact of Covid and to offer appropriate therapy and referrals as required. The clinic will offer a single point of contact for patients and the evaluation will be shared with GPs and the community therapy team to ensure a cohesive approach. We will particularly be able to assess and evaluate ‘long Covid’ syndrome.
“Patients admitted to critical care with Covid-19 are seriously ill and experience severe respiratory failure and multi organ system failure. There may also be undetected problems such as cardiovascular issues, pulmonary and musculoskeletal deconditioning, restrictive lung disease, affective disorders such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Intensive care therapy is not just about saving lives but also about providing holistic aftercare and promoting quality of life for critically unwell patients. It is therefore prudent that such patients are comprehensively evaluated, their unmet needs identified and appropriate therapy provided and the multidisciplinary approach in this clinic will be able to facilitate such a holistic and high-quality approach.
“I’m very proud of the critical care rehabilitation team, they are very dedicated and highly motivated to provide this service, despite the extreme pressures we face.”
The Covid follow-up team is led by Dr Ram Matsa and includes Jo Steele and Lucy Powell, Rehab Coordinators, Dr Sobia Khan, Psychologist, Amy Breed, Psychology Assistant, Christa Latham, Occupational Therapist, Vicky Eley, Speech and Language Therapist, Laura Swinscoe, Physiotherapist and Belinda Harrison, Clinic Administrator.