Post Covid Assessment Service

Some people recovering from Covid-19 are experiencing longer term symptoms including pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion, and memory problems (commonly called brain fog).

Long Covid, also known as Post Covid Syndrome is a new condition but the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued guidelines in identifying, assessing and managing the long-term effects of COVID-19 in December 2020.

From May 2021 people in Kent and Medway suffering with Post Covid Syndrome for more than 12 weeks can be referred to the Post Covid Assessment Service, set up and run by West Kent Primary Care.

Once referred, the Post Covid Assessment Service will contact patients and an assessment by a team of professionals will determine the most appropriate support and advice for their symptoms. The team have created a library of resources for patients suffering from Long Covid.

If you are receiving care for Long Covid you can discuss with your care provider about being referred to the Post Covid Assessment Service. Patients can be referred by their GP or hospital team.

If, at any time in your recovery from Covid, you are worried about continuing symptoms (or if you develop new or worsening symptoms) you should contact your GP or hospital team to get the help you need.

If the effects of a Covid infection is lasting for more than 12 weeks and you are not already receiving care for Long Covid, please contact your GP practice so they can rule out any alternative diagnosis for your condition and make sure this service would be suitable for you.

The service operates 09:00 – 17:00 Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) and can be contacted on 01892 576309 or westkentprimarycare.postcovidassessmentservicekm@nhs.net

Covid Oximetry @ Home (formerly Covid Virtual Ward)

This service closed on 31st March 2022 following the Government stopping routine testing for Covid.

The West Kent Covid Oximetry @ Home service aimed to enable health professionals to safely monitor patients remotely with confirmed Covid-19 at home (including care homes) who were deemed high risk due to age or long-standing health conditions. Using pulse oximetry, patients/carers were monitored and reported their oxygen levels to enable early warning of deterioration and rapid intervention and treatment to provide improved outcomes.

This was important as Covid-19 infection can result in low oxygen levels, without the normal symptoms of shortness of breath or coughing to such a degree those patients can suffer acute respiratory distress and organ failure.

The service operated 08:00 – 20:00 7 days a week; consisting of a lead nurse, registered nurses, and admin.