Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 May 2022
26. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health the progress that is being made to provide a nationwide network of multidisciplinary long-Covid clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20530/22]
View answerCOVID-19 is a new disease so information on it, its features, incidence and course are still emerging
My Department, and the HSE, continue to review new evidence, research and data on all aspects of COVID19 including Long COVID, as it emerges to ensure care is in place for all who need it.
The HSE has developed and is implementing an interim Model of Care to provide Long COVID services nationally. This builds on existing service provision to further develop the necessary services across a number of health care settings including GP, community services and acute hospitals.
A phased implementation is underway with a focus on establishing, Post-Acute and Long COVID clinics nationally within each Hospital Group as initial priority. This involves expanding resources at existing clinics where required and development of new clinics in line with the Model of Care.
The HSE has advised that Post Acute clinics manage patients between four and twelve weeks after initial onset of infection and Long COVID clinics manage patients twelve weeks post onset of infection.
I understand from the HSE that sites are now recruiting the necessary personnel including consultants in the areas of infectious disease, respiratory medicine, neurology and additional multidisciplinary staff to support this work.
Anyone concerned about Long COVID is advised to engage with their GP in the first instance.
