Health experts research Long Covid in deprived Sheffield communities
Clinics are are being put on in Darnall, Carbrook and Tinsley
South Yorkshire health experts are trying to learn more about the impact of Long Covid on deprived Sheffield communities.
Research clinics have been launched for those with the long term symptoms of the virus in and around Darnall in the city to help academics and doctors learn more about how they've been coping.
It's hoped it'll inform new ways of working in more marginalised and deprived communities.
Pat Bishop lives near Darnall and is one of those taking part in the project. She tells us she had Covid-19 over Christmas but still has symptoms four months on:
"I've still got a bit of a cough. Sometimes I get a husky voice. I've never had it before. It took a lot out of me, it really did.
"It's not keeping me up at night it's just in the day. Sometimes I was coughing so much I was sneezing. At first I just thought I was getting the flu and it's just carried on.
"I'm not doing as much as I usually do. I've got big gardens and I'm making my son do most of it. Usually I'd be out doing a bit of gardening. It's taken a bit of my breath away - my breathing's not as good. Not at all as good. I used to be able to run upstairs but I can't do it now."
While the majority of people with coronavirus recover quickly, around one in ten keep having symptoms long term.
Symptoms include extreme tiredness after little activity, fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, difficulties with concentration or memory, and feeling less able to be physically active.
The clinics are being run by the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre in Attercliffe which is part of Sheffield Hallam University.
Dr Sally Fowler-Davis's been leading the project:
“This project, which has been funded by Sport England, has allowed us to develop our partnership with DWB and the local community around a very current and important need. Many people in deprived communities have had Covid but have not yet sought help for the fatigue and other problems.
"This research enables participants to benefit but also help us to understand more about the management of Long Covid in this neighbourhood.”
It being carried out in partnership with the local charity Darnall Well Being who have helped indentify members of the community with Long Covid to take part.
Waqas Hameed, senior health worker at Darnall Well Being, said:
“Having continued to work with the local community throughout the pandemic, we were keen to get involved with this research, so that we can help local people who are experiencing Long Covid. Our involvement with AWRC’s research clinic has given us more information and experience to share with the community and help people to access support for Long Covid.
“This research project is an opportunity for Darnall Well Being to proactively support underserved communities in Darnall ward. Outcomes from the research will hopefully inform Darnall Well Being’s post-Covid response in a structured and effective way.”