Post Covid Assessment Service (Barnet)

Post-COVID syndrome or “Long Covid” is defined 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.

We currently accept referrals for anyone with ongoing signs and symptoms from 4 weeks following their initial suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. Symptoms are wide-ranging and fluctuating, and can include breathlessness, fatigue, headaches, brain fog, anxiety and stress.

We are a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) comprising of a clinical lead respiratory specialist, respiratory consultants, specialist respiratory physiotherapists, an occupational therapist, a psychologist and rehabilitation assistant. We work very closely with University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) as part of our larger MDT dealing with complex post-COVID patients.

We provide post-COVID assessment and rehabilitation through a self-management approach for symptoms including breathlessness, fatigue, anxiety, depression, neuromuscular weakness, reduced exercise tolerance, and brain fog.  

You will receive a holistic assessment for breathing pattern disorders, psychological impact, fatigue, basic autonomic response and exercise tolerance. This assessment is to understand the impact of long covid symptoms on your everyday functions and what support may be required, to facilitate a steady recovery.

Barnet post-COVID rehabilitation will include:

• Introduction to the Living with Covid Recovery App.
• Advice and guidance on the management of your current symptoms.
• Signposting or referral to other community services if this is needed.
• Weekly online group consultations on different topics with our team.
• Monthly online peer support group led by a patient expert.
• Onwards referral to members of a multi-disciplinary team at Central London Community Hospital NHS Trust or University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH).

Your COVID Recovery is an online website containing general information on all aspects of recovering from COVID-19 including physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing. The site offers general advice on recovery, returning to work and information for families and carers of patients with post-COVID syndrome. Visit: www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk

For local psychological support visit:

• Barnet wellbeing service: www.barnetwellbeing.org.uk/counselling
• Mind in Enfield and Barnet: www.mindeb.org.uk/services-for-individuals/barnet/wellbeing/sanctuary/

For breathlessness mamagement visit: 

• www.physiotherapyforbpd.org.uk/self-help/ 

For fatigue and advice on conserving energy visit: 

• longcovid.physio/quick-access
• www.rcot.co.uk/recovering-covid-19-post-viral-fatigue-and-conserving-energy
• www.rcot.co.uk/conserving-energy
• www.gov.uk/government/publications/access-to-work-factsheet

For vocational rehabilitation and support on return to work visit: 

• www.gov.uk/access-to-work
• www.acas.org.uk/returning-to-work-after-absence

For support with sleep visit: 

• www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene

For advice on diet visit:   

• www.bda.uk.com/resource/long-covid-and-diet.html

For support with lost or changed sense of smell visit:

• www.nhs.uk/conditions/lost-or-changed-sense-smell/

We accept referrals for all adults living in Barnet who identify themselves as having post covid syndrome and are registered with a Barnet GP practice.  

The referral will be processed by CLCH Single-Point of Access (SPA).

For appointments booking or rescheduling please call 020 8732 6333 Monday and Wednesday, from 8am to 4pm

Email: barnetpostcovidmdt@nhs.net

For further support, please contact us via messages on the Living with Covid Recovery app.

East Barnet Health Centre

Address: 149 East Barnet Rd, London, EN4 8QZ

Opening times: 9am to 5pm (Wednesdays only)