New BMA report published on effects of Long Covid-19
More needs to be done to address the effect long COVID is placing on people’s health and health services in Northern Ireland.
That is the call as the British Medical Association has published its new report ‘Addressing the health challenge of long COVID’.
The report states that while vaccines reduce the likelihood of developing long COVID, there remains a ‘significant burden of long-term illness’ from COVID-19, which is likely to increase as more people contract the virus.
It adds this in turn will heap more strain on already severely under pressure health services.
The report has called for immediate action to help improve the understanding, treatment, care and support of people with long COVID across the UK.
In response, the Department of Health have said they will consider the BMA's report, and that in the meantime the assessment clinics established last year will continue to accept referrals for post covid-19 syndrome across all Trust areas.
In a statement the Department said:
"Knowledge of Long Covid is still evolving. The condition is complex with more than one body system affected. Individuals can have unique combinations of fluctuating symptoms.
"There is no specific diagnostic test for Long Covid and the evidence base for interventions specifically aimed at a curative treatment for Long Covid is sparse at present. High quality research is needed to inform future treatments and models of care".
It went on to say that until then the service is focused on holistic assesment.
"We will identify patients with breathlessness who may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation and those who need onward referral to secondary or community services. This is complemented by signposting to self-management resources.
"Vaccination continues to provide excellent protection from serious illness, hospitalisation or death. Further details on the autumn booster programme will shortly be published and the Department would urge everyone eligible to avail of the jab."