Please note that we are not a self-referral service. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Long COVID, please contact your GP for an assessment.
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and the impact they are having on your life. They may suggest some tests to find out more about your symptoms such as a blood test, checking your blood pressure, heart rate, or a chest x-ray. They may then choose to refer you to our service for further support and guidance.
Our workshop is aimed at supporting people with symptoms of Long Covid. Each service user who comes into our service will be offered the opportunity to join our workshop, if appropriate to do so.
We offer these workshops face to face, and virtually. We welcome a family member, carer or friend to accompany you if you wish to do so.
We offer support with vocational rehabilitation to assist patients to continue in their employment whilst managing their post covid symptoms. Following as assessment, a report is completed with goals and recommendations to support the patient and their manager to work on an effective return to work programme and make the correct adjustments.
The most effective workplace adjustments specific to Long COVID are:
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1. Prolonged phased return
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2. Individualised recovery and rehabilitation plans
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3. A Return-to-Work Plan. Follow up appointments and work place assessments can be offered where required.
Peer support is when people use their own experiences to help each other. Our aim is to bring together people with shared experiences to support each other and to provide a space where you feel accepted and understood.
Our Care Coordinator's run regular peer support groups. Please get in touch with the service if we have not already contacted you following your initial assessment.
Our peer support groups run virtually and face to face.
We now offer an exercise class in the community. This is a free 12 week personalised physical activity plan, to be delivered in a community setting and can help toward your post covid recovery. We offer this class in a range of different locations which include Newcastle Under Lyme, Cannock, Stoke City and Burton Albion.
Each service user who comes into our service will be offered the opportunity to join our exercise class, if approprate to do so following an assessment with a clinician.
Below are some links to other services we may refer you into to support with your symptoms of Long COVID:
Smell and Taste
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AbScent - A UK charity founded to promote research into conditions resulting in a loss of smell
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Fifth Sense - A UK charity supporting people affected by smell and taste disorders
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Safe and Well – Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service – Safe & Well Check
Social Support and Charities
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Here to Help - Staffordshire County Council cost of living support
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Beat the Cold - Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire fuel advice charity
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Staffordshire Connects - Places to go and things to do in Staffordshire
Fatigue
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Visible App - A health tracking mobile app for people with long COVID and other long term health conditions
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How to Conserve Your Energy: Practical Advice for People During and After Having COVID-19 - Factsheet
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Salus Fatigue Foundation - A not for profit organisation providing support for people affected by chronic fatigue
Breathlessness and Activity
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How to Cope With Being Short of Breath: Positions - Factsheet from the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care
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How to Cope With Being Short of Breath: Breathing Exercises - Factsheet from the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care
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COVID-19: The Road to Recovery Exercises - Via the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
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If you get COVID-19 and have asthma - Asthma and Long COVID support from the British Lung Foundation
Sleep and Relaxation
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Balance - Improve your stress, sleep, and more using this app, which personalises your meditation program
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Skills for Dealing With Anxiety - Factsheet
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Relaxation ideas and activities suggestions - Handout from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists
Psychology and Mental Health
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Coronavirus: mental health information and support – Support and information from the charity Mind
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Support services: Stoke-on-Trent – Mental health support within Stoke-on-Trent (via Stoke-on-Trent City Council)
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Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline – Information on Brighter Futures’ Mental Health Helpline in Staffordshire
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Andy's Man Club – Mental health charity for men
Helplines
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Mind - 0300 123 3393
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Samaritans - 116 123 (free) or email jo@samaritans.org.uk (24 hours)
Who is this service for?
The service is open to adults across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent who have had both a positive COVID-19 test and symptoms of COVID-19 for more than 4 weeks.
Which clinicians work within this service?
Working in partnership, we have bought together specialists ranging from rehabilitation Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, General Practitioners, Care Co-ordinators, and Psychology Support.
How do I refer into your service?
Anyone who has had symptoms of Long COVID for 4 weeks or more, should contact their GP who can refer into the service.
NHS Staff and Social Prescribers can also refer their patients directly to our service.
What happens at my first appointment?
If you are referred to our service you will receive an SMS message with the date and time of your new patient assessment appointment where we will review your medical history and assess your health status following your diagnosis of Long COVID.
Your first appointment will be via the telephone. It will take 30 to 45 minutes depending on the information you give us. A treatment care plan will then be discussed and agreed with you.
Once a care plan has been agreed, and if no further care deemed necessary, you may be discharged with self management education and support. Alternatively, you may be referred into other services.
Following your appointment, you will be offered a patient initiated follow up. This type of appointment allows you to arrange a follow-up appointment for you, or someone you care for, only when you need it. Your referral will remain open for six months. At six months, you will then receive an opt in letter, to establish whether or not you need to be re-reviewed by one of our Care Coordinators.
Can I be seen face-to-face?
At the moment, we are primarily a virtual service; however if you require a face-to-face appointment we can arrange this for you. We can also offer video appointments.
What should I do if I cannot attend my appointment?
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please email us at lcvclinics@mpft.nhs.uk or call us on 0300 303 3425 as soon as possible to cancel your appointment. The phone number is a message taking number where you will be advised to leave your name, phone number, date of birth and your message. We will then get back to you on the number you have provided.
What happens if I do not attend my appointment?
If you fail to attend without advising us you may be discharged.