New app launched by Welsh Government to support people experiencing long COVID
The Welsh Government has recently launched a COVID-19 recovery app to support those experiencing ‘long COVID’ symptoms.
Long COVID refers to signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with coronavirus that continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis.
The bilingual, first of its kind, app has been developed by the NHS Wales respiratory health group on behalf of the Welsh Government. It is designed to give people a tailored tool and personal coach to help them on their road to recovery.
Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: “We are still learning about the virus but it is estimated that around that around 1 in 10 people who have had coronavirus suffer some long term symptoms. The launch of this app, which is the first of its kind, is to reassure those people that there is support available to them and that they are not alone.
“This app is part of a wider national approach which has been put into place to recognise those people who months later are still feeling a range of cardiac, neurological and psychological issues.”
Featuring hundreds of videos and links to advice, app users can record their symptoms, track their progress and learn to manage their condition at home with support, easing pressure off health and social care services. The app includes advice from therapists, psychologists, dietitians and consultants.
Vaughan continued: “Anyone can download the app but we’re also asking health professionals to recommend it to their patients so that their care can continue at home long after their appointment ends.
“GPs are still best placed to signpost their patients to appropriate support, carry out testing to look for any treatable symptoms and refer patients to specialist consultants if necessary, this will of course mean that support is still available for anyone without a smart phone.”
To use the app, search ‘covidrecovery’ on the Apple and GooglePlay app stores.
On 21st of December 2020, NHS England announced that thousands of patients with long COVID symptoms could get help at over 60 dedicated clinics. The specialist centres bring together doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists to offer both physical and psychological assessments and refer patients to the right treatment and rehabilitation services.
https://thiis.co.uk/new-app-launched-by-welsh-government-to-support-people-experiencing-long-covid/https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Vaughan-Gething.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Vaughan-Gething-150x150.jpgGovernment & Local AuthoritiesNewsroomSector NewsCOVID-19 app,COVID-19 recovery app,COVID-19 rehabilitation,Health Minister Vaughan Gething,Long COVID,NHS Wales,Welsh GovernmentThe Welsh Government has recently launched a COVID-19 recovery app to support those experiencing ‘long COVID’ symptoms. Long COVID refers to signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with coronavirus that continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis. The bilingual,...Sarah SarsbySarah Sarsbysarah@thiis.co.ukEditorTHIIS Magazine