Delivering better integrated care to address patients mental health determinants
The CLCH South West post covid assessment services were set up for Wandsworth and Merton boroughs in April 2021. The service is therapy-led and a medically supported service.
The service built strong relationships within the South West London Integrated Care System, and quickly recognised that the severity and duration of long covid symptoms, including difficulties throughout the pandemic had a significant impact on the mental wellbeing of individuals and provided comprehensive medical treatment to 334 patients.
One of the patients explained how she accessed psychological support which the team provided through acknowledgement and validation of symptoms. The support provided helped to socially improve her connections with those around her. This is a great example on how our team can offer a personalised care approach for their patients due to new integrated ways of working.
The social aspect of health is important to consider when improving health from a holistic perspective. Social prescribing assists with a range of social and mental determinants of health, including reducing social isolation.
The future of the South West post covid service
“We aim to recruit a wider network of health professionals into the service to continue providing personalised support to our patients. We hope to link post covid services with community diagnostic centres, and ultimately help to reduce demand on our stretched primary care colleagues.” - Campbell Flack, Clinical Operational Manager, Post Covid Assessment Services
