Patients across Walsall who are suffering with the long term effects of coronavirus will be offered specialist follow up advice and support as part of a new service being rolled out by the Walsall Together Partnership.

As part of the service anyone aged 18 or over, who has been discharged from Walsall Manor Hospital with covid-19, will receive a post covid information booklet outlining simple measures that can be taken to ease symptoms and contacts for other sources of help.

They will also receive a follow up call from a trained professional who will identify any ongoing problems which need specific treatments, including psychological support and if required a face-to-face assessment or virtual support and rehabilitation.

Simon Harlin, GP working with Community Services, said: “We know that around 5-10% of people who recover from covid will experience long-covid.

“This is when some symptoms can last beyond 12 weeks – for example breathlessness, fatigue, and psychological problems. However it isn’t just the health effects people struggle with it can also be issues related to social support, housing and employment too.

“As a partnership Walsall Together has worked closely on planning ways in which we can identify and offer support to those who need it to ensure they make as full a recovery as possible.”

Daren Fradgley, Director of Integration for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We are extremely proud that strong partnership work is once again making a meaningful difference to our patients in Walsall. This service has been set up quickly and efficiently and is among the first in the country.”

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is one of eight trusts in the Midlands to benefit from funding from NHSE in order to roll out a post-covid service to patients.

It is hoped this service will be rolled out in the next 2-3 weeks and will be extended to all people of any age who are recovering, even if they weren’t admitted to hospital.