The NHS Long Covid Conference 2022

Emerging evidence and patient testimony are showing a growing number of people who contract COVID-19 cannot shake off the effects of the virus months after initially falling ill. Symptoms are wide-ranging and fluctuating, and can include breathlessness, chronic fatigue, “brain fog”, anxiety and stress. NHS England

The NICE guideline scope published on 30 October 2020 describes post-COVID syndrome as signs and symptoms that develop during or following an infection consistent with COVID-19 which continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis. The definition says the condition usually presents with clusters of symptoms, often overlapping, which may change over time and can affect any system within the body. It also notes that many people with post-COVID syndrome can also experience general pain, fatigue, persisting high temperature and psychiatric problems.

While we have learned lot about COVID-19 since the

start of the pandemic – and new treatments are available – the long-term effects of the illness can be debilitating, even for young, fit people, or those who did not go to the hospital when they had COVID-19 symptoms initially.

Long covid clinics are being funded in every area across England, to complement the existing primary, community, and rehabilitation care. The networks aim to be a core element of a five-part package of measures to boost NHS support for long covid patients.

The 5 national covid initiatives include:

• New guidance commissioned by NHS England from NICE by the end of October (2021)
• The ‘Your Covid Recovery‘ – an online rehab service to provide personalised support to patients
• Designated Long Covid clinics
• National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funded research on long Covid
• The NHS’s support will be overseen by a new NHS England Long Covid taskforce

The Convenzis Long Covid conference plans to provide some key updates on the national long covid strategy and will empower delegates to better understand and ultimately support patients’ recovery.

In support of the NHS, all delegate passes are complimentary and CPD accredited.

Research sources for The NHS Long Covid Conference 2022: NHS England, UCL London, BMJ