Why it matters: The study provides the first comprehensive evaluation of the Suffolk and North East Essex Long Covid Assessment Service (SNELCAS), which was established in 2021 to support patients with symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks after Covid infection.
The details: The University of Suffolk's Institute of Health and Wellbeing was commissioned in spring 2024 to evaluate the service, analysing data from 1,787 patients referred between 4 December 2020 and 12 July 2024.
Most referrals came either from GPs (43 per cent) or from patients approaching their GP, believing they had Long Covid (46 per cent).
Patients completed the European Quality of Life survey, which measures quality of life across mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain and anxiety.
The results showed the service was effective in improving patients' overall physical health and quality of life, with significant gains in self-care and usual activities after discharge.
The study revealed that 71 per cent of service users were female, with 70 per cent aged 35-64. Half of all patients were aged 50-74, and 84 per cent were white.
The evaluation found that most patients had their initial assessment within six to ten weeks, with an average discharge time of around 14 months.
What they're saying: Dr Abigail Webb from the University of Suffolk's Institute of Health and Wellbeing said: "Suffering from the effects of Long Covid can be a challenging and anxious time for patients, and one which can significantly impact their day-to-day living. Our study has found SNELCAS to be effective in improving patients' overall physical health and quality of life, playing a vital role in patient recovery and overall wellbeing."
Sarah Fowler, Co-Clinical Lead for the Suffolk and North Essex Long Covid Assessment Service at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The service evaluation carried out by the University of Suffolk has allowed us to hear directly from our patients. It has given us a clear picture of what they value in the service and enabled us to objectively demonstrate impacts."
The bigger picture: Long Covid encompasses symptoms including fatigue, breathlessness, low mood, anxiety, aches and pains, loss of appetite and brain fog that persist for more than 12 weeks after infection. The service uses a multidisciplinary approach involving respiratory physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, nurses and mental health professionals.
The study also found areas for improvement, with some patient survey data raising concerns about communication gaps and delays in the system. Communication issues, including delays, inconsistent updates and poor follow-ups, left some feeling unsupported and forgotten about. The impersonal nature of some remote consultations and challenges with poor record-sharing were noted as frustrations, with patients recommending more face-to-face appointments and tailored care plans.
Accessibility was another concern, with patients calling for more local and flexible service options. The majority of patients appreciated the information and signposting they received, but their symptoms often prevented them from engaging consistently with the content, which led to feelings of discouragement, anxiety and helplessness. While peer support was highly valued, some patients expressed disappointment at not having the opportunity to participate.
However, patients praised the service's emotional and practical support, with service users feeling reassured and understood.
What's next: The study authors recommended increased partnership working with local and community organisations to help reach diverse communities, noting they would have expected to see more individuals from Asian, black or mixed ethnic backgrounds, as Long Covid disproportionately affects those from BAME communities.
The bottom line: The study shows that Suffolk's Long Covid service is making a measurable difference to most patients' lives, with nearly three-quarters crediting it with contributing to their recovery, though improvements are needed in communication and accessibility to better support all patients.
