Willie O'Dea
Ceist:26. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a report on services for persons with long Covid. [16860/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 31 March 2022
Ceisteanna (26, 62)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Ceist:62. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the status of the work currently under way to continue to develop and implement a model of care for long Covid; if there is a timeline for this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16783/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 62 together.
COVID-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, internationally and nationally, 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.
The initial priority is to establish Post-Acute and Long COVID clinics and this is underway.
The HSE has advised that Post Acute clinics are managing patients between four and twelve weeks after initial onset of infection and Long COVID clinics are managing patients twelve weeks post onset of infection.
Anyone concerned about Long COVID is advised to engage with their GP in the first instance.