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 or Social Prescriber who can refer into the service.
Alternatively, we now accept self-referrals. You can do this by emailing your Covid positive date, NHS number, full name, date of birth and home address to lcvclinics@mpft.nhs.uk. Please also include any symptoms you are experiencing. Please be aware that self-referring to the Long COVID Service will mean you are consenting to us accessing your GP records.
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.
