New assessment service for people with 'Long Covid'
Kent and Medway’s Post-Covid Assessment Service opened on 14th May 2021 to help people suffering from Long Covid, also known as Post-Covid Syndrome.
Symptoms can include fatigue, breathlessness, anxiety and depression, joint or muscle pain, chest pains, not being able to focus or to think straight.
If the effects of a Covid infection last for more than 12 weeks, patients should contact their GP practice, so any alternative diagnosis for the condition can be ruled out and to decide if the Post-Covid Assessment Service would be suitable.
Once referred, the Post-Covid Assessment Service will make contact with the patient and an expert team of professionals will assess their condition and provide support in accessing services to support their recovery.
Visit our website to find out more.
Update on accessing General Practice
The latest Kent and Medway data on appointments with general practice teams shows nearly 460,000 patients were seen face-to-face in March 2021.
That’s very close to the number of face-to-face appointments that were taking place monthly before the pandemic. Combined with many more telephone and online appointments, our 198 practices held over 200,000 more appointments this March compared to February 2020.
As Covid-19 restrictions lift further on Monday (17th May 2021) GP surgeries across the country are being asked to have receptions open to patients whilst following social distancing and covid-secure guidance.
GPs have also played a key role in the vaccination effort, managing the delivery of almost one million of Kent and Medway’s vaccines so far.
This increase in demand, as well as continuing to support vaccinations, means that your local practice will remain very busy.
To help manage this and make sure that you get the right care from the right professional as quickly as possible, triage systems will remain in place. You will be asked to first discuss your conditions with a member of the healthcare team to assess the most appropriate next steps and which of the practice team it would be best to see.
If you are able to use online forms for your initial contact please do, so that phone lines can be kept clearer for those who cannot.
GP practices will continue to offer telephone and video consultations. These can be convenient and flexible ways to receive healthcare for many people but where patients need to be seen by a health professional face-to-face, this will be arranged.
If you have a preference about how to access care you can discuss this with your practice.
That’s very close to the number of face-to-face appointments that were taking place monthly before the pandemic. Combined with many more telephone and online appointments, our 198 practices held over 200,000 more appointments this March compared to February 2020.
As Covid-19 restrictions lift further on Monday (17th May 2021) GP surgeries across the country are being asked to have receptions open to patients whilst following social distancing and covid-secure guidance.
GPs have also played a key role in the vaccination effort, managing the delivery of almost one million of Kent and Medway’s vaccines so far.
This increase in demand, as well as continuing to support vaccinations, means that your local practice will remain very busy.
To help manage this and make sure that you get the right care from the right professional as quickly as possible, triage systems will remain in place. You will be asked to first discuss your conditions with a member of the healthcare team to assess the most appropriate next steps and which of the practice team it would be best to see.
If you are able to use online forms for your initial contact please do, so that phone lines can be kept clearer for those who cannot.
GP practices will continue to offer telephone and video consultations. These can be convenient and flexible ways to receive healthcare for many people but where patients need to be seen by a health professional face-to-face, this will be arranged.
If you have a preference about how to access care you can discuss this with your practice.
People at risk of Type 2 diabetes referred to national programme
The CCG’s diabetes team has been hard at work identifying those at risk of Type 2 diabetes and encouraging them to get help through referring them to the National Diabetes Prevention Programme.
From March 2020 to March 2021, 8,927 people in Kent and Medway were given details of the programme, which helps people make positive lifestyle changes and avoid the disease. Read more on this story on our website.
This week is Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week (10th May - 16th May) and a wealth of information to stay healthy is available on our website.
Keeping safe after third step in lockdown easing
The Prime Minister has confirmed that the third step of England’s lockdown roadmap can proceed as scheduled on 17th May.
Despite the further easing of restrictions, social distancing will remain in place in social care, medical, retail, hospitality and business settings. People will still need to wear face coverings on transport and in shops - unless they are exempt.
Social distancing with close family and friends will be a matter of personal judgement. But people are asked to remain cautious around close contact, like hugging.
Visit the GOV.UK website for more information on the roadmap out of lockdown.
Despite the further easing of restrictions, social distancing will remain in place in social care, medical, retail, hospitality and business settings. People will still need to wear face coverings on transport and in shops - unless they are exempt.
Social distancing with close family and friends will be a matter of personal judgement. But people are asked to remain cautious around close contact, like hugging.
Visit the GOV.UK website for more information on the roadmap out of lockdown.
