Help for former Covid patients
A rehabilitation programme for patients recovering from Covid-19 has been established by NHS Lothian working with Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.
Covid-19 is expected to lead to a dramatic increase in the numbers of people managing what will possibly be long- term lung conditions and needing support for rehab and recovery.
CHSS have been working with NHS Lothian to make rehabilitation support to accessible to patients who are recovering from Covid-19.
NHS Lothian has established a comprehensive rehabilitation and support pathway for survivors of severe Covid across all three Lothian acute sites.
A multidisciplinary team (MDT) discusses all cases weekly, and agrees personalised requirements for physiotherapy, dietetics, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapist.
In addition, all patients have a psychological review and support. Case management is coordinated by an intensive care unit (ICU) trained nurse.
Rehabilitation services at Astley Ainslie Hospital join the weekly multidisciplinary team and where appropriate, review patients and transfer them to the hospital.
NHS Lothian are also working with CHSS to liaise with their community staff.
A total of 2807 people in NHS Lothian have been confirmed as having Covid-19 since that start of the outbreak.
As of mid June, 131 patients were in NHS Lothian hospitals with Covid-19, 193 patients with suspected Covid-19 and six patients in Intensive Care.
The 3929 patients who have tested positive for Covid-19, who have previously required hospital treatment, have now been discharged from hospital since the start of the outbreak, with the most serious cases having longer term conditions.
Conservative Lothian List MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “I am pleased that NHS Lothian have put a range of measures in place to support survivors who have had severe cases of Covid-19.
“Having rehabilitation support in place for patients is crucial for their recovery and quality of life after having coronavirus. The Covid- 19 pandemic will have an impact on NHS Scotland for years to come, with increased waiting times for treatments. Prevention and recovery will be more important than ever for keeping people in Scotland healthy.
Labour MSP Neil Findlay said: “The road to recovery for patients who have been most affected can be long, requiring intensive input from a range of health professionals. I warmly welcome this collaboration between the NHS and Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland and know they will be doing all they can to help patients recover from this dreadful illness.”
Almond Valley MSP Angela Constance said: “It is good to see NHS Lothian working in partnership with the highly regarded Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland. Given the challenge of moving our National Health Service form an emergency footing to remobilising and restarting the full range of services, Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland will be an invaluable in helping to facilitate the smooth transition for those leaving hospital to return to their homes.”
Having rehabilitation support in place for patients is crucial