Bupa’s Cromwell Hospital in London has opened a new long-Covid clinic to help those with ongoing symptoms from the virus.
The move comes as figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest that one in 10 people infected with Covid experience symptoms which last for three months or longer.
The impact means that many individuals are struggling to return to work or to their day-to-day lives.
A spokesperson for the 120-bed Cromwell, which was acquired by Bupa in 1981, said the new long-Covid clinic provides personalised treatment plans for various physical symptoms, including respiratory issues, fatigue and joint or muscle pain, as well as patients’ mental health.
The clinic, led by a team of consultants who specialise in treating respiratory conditions, tailor treatment plans to individual needs and are able to provide onwards referrals to cardiologists, neurologists, specialist respiratory physiotherapists and psychiatrists.
Philip Luce, hospital director at Cromwell Hospital, said there is a “clear need” for more support when it comes to long-Covid.
He said: “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, said that many people are struggling with the ongoing symptoms of Covid-19, from problems with memory or concentration levels to suffering breathlessness during everyday activities.
He said: “Our new clinic helps people access the right support for their individual needs.”
The clinic is open five days per week for either virtual or face-to-face consultations, includin blood tests, chest x-ray, lung function tests, ECG and echocardiogram.