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A clinic to support islanders living with long covid is launching today at the Outpatients Department in the hospital.
Islanders who suffer from covid symptoms past the four-week 'acute' period to potentially months beyond are being encouraged to speak to their GPs who will refer them to the clinic if necessary.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, more than 350 Islanders seen by their GPs have experienced symptoms of long covid four weeks after infection, and 150 of those still had symptoms 12 weeks later.
The loss of taste and smell, a common symptom of acute covid, can also be prolonged.
Pictured: The most common symptoms of long covid were mental and physical fatigue, breathlessness, chest pain or headiness, palpitations, pain in or swelling of the joints, and skin rashes.
A study published by University College London in 2021 identified 200 symptoms affecting 10 organ systems in people with long covid, at higher levels than in people who were fully recovered.
According to figures given by Dr Muscat, it is estimated that between 10%-15% of people who contract covid will develop prolonged symptoms that persist for more than 12 weeks.
The new clinic will be led by Dr Matt Doyle and will involve a range of clinical pathways which will be tailored to each patient.
Patients who already being seen by a specialist for their long covid symptoms will continue their treatment and investigations as planned.
The Clinic will take new referrals from GPs, who will be supported by an Admin Clerk, and the hospital and will liaise with specialist clinics regarding existing patients if required.
“I am pleased that we are now in a position to launch this clinic,” Dr Doyle said.
“Treatment for long covid has been under discussion since the beginning of this pandemic, and I am grateful that the collaboration between Public Health and Health and Community Services has led to this vital service being made accessible to islanders.
“This is an ever-evolving service as more and more health services across the world recognise long covid as a condition.”
The Government’s Scientific Advisory Cell (STAC) supported the creation a strategy to respond to long covid in March 2021.
Discussing how the issue could be tackled, it was agreed that Jersey should adopt UK guidelines set out by the ‘National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’ and ‘Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network’, which "makes recommendations about care in all healthcare settings for adults, children and young people who have new or ongoing symptoms 4 weeks or more after the start of acute covid-19."
The scope of care needed to address the condition was also acknowledged, with STAC emphasising how it would encompass several areas of Health, as well as pointing out the “psychological impact of the illness” and its ability to affect all systems of the body.
“A multi-disciplinary team would be required to treat those suffering with it, because it had a widespread effect and would require a global view through primary care, generalists and other support staff including occupational therapists and physiotherapists,” the minutes read.
In August 2021, the Health Scrutiny Panel was told that officers within the Health Department had begun working on the development of a long covid support plan, spanning across the healthcare system.
Speaking ahead of the new clinic's launch today, Dr Doyle said: "I am pleased that we are now in a position to launch this clinic. Treatment for long covid has been under discussion since the beginning of this pandemic, and I am grateful that the collaboration between Public Health and Health and Community Services has led to this vital service being made accessible to Islanders.
"This is an ever-evolving service as more and more health services across the world recognise long covid as a condition.
"I would encourage anyone who is experiencing symptoms of long covid to contact their GP in the first instance, and we will do all we can to ensure islanders get the right support."
In a previous episode of the Bailiwick Podcast, Express spoke to 17-year-old Aliyah Buesnel about the lasting impact of long covid...
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