Supporting people with Long COVID, ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) / CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and other post-infection conditions

Access to support for long COVID, other post-viral conditions and ME/CFS is now via a single point of access.  Patients are able to self-refer using the link below, or ask their health professional to make a referral on their behalf.  If you wish to self-refer and require any support with this, please contact the Living Well Service on 03000 840007.   All patients whose referrals are accepted by the service will be offered a holistic initial assessment.

The Long COVID Service has expanded its provision to support people with similar needs, e.g. those with symptoms arising as a result of a virus or infection.  The service is now known as the Living Well Service, to reflect the range of clinical presentations catered for, as well as the holistic approach to management we provide.  As part of this expansion, we are working closely with the ME/CFS service to ensure people with ME/CFS can access the wider range of health professionals and support available from the Living Well Service, e.g. clinical assessment and any required diagnostics, and multi-disciplinary support, as well as maintaining dedicated support for people with ME/CFS from the ME/CFS services.

It is estimated that up to one million people in the UK now live with ME/CFS. ME/CFS is a neurological and complex condition affecting multiple systems in the body.  Diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS list a range of symptoms including cognitive impairments, orthostatic intolerance, pain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping and more. The hallmark characteristic of the illness is post-exertional malaise (PEM), which is an abnormal response to physical, cognitive, social and/or emotional exertion leading to additional symptoms or an exacerbation of ongoing symptoms. 80% of ME/CFS occurs after an infection including COVID-19. 

Similarly, long COVID is also a complex, multi-system condition, and is defined as the ongoing or onset of symptoms 12 weeks after an acute COVID-19 infection.  There are many potential symptoms, and most of these symptoms overlap with the symptoms of ME/CFS.  It is important to note that not everyone with long COVID meets criteria for ME/CFS, but estimates of those with long COVID who also meet ME/CFS criteria is up to 58%. 

Long COVID is a post-viral condition, and any viral infection could potentially result in similar symptoms.  There is no blood test or scan to support the diagnosis of long COVID, ME/CFS or other post-viral presentations, and diagnosis is therefore achieved through clinical history and exclusion of other potential causes.  It is possible to have one of these conditions alongside other health conditions, and the assessment process will help establish whether a pre-existing or co-existing condition can adequately explain the symptoms, or if post-viral conditions and/or ME/CFS are likely.

Signs and symptoms of post COVID-19 syndrome (also known as Long COVID) develop during or following an infection consistent with the virus which continues for more than twelve weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis. The condition usually presents with clusters of symptoms, often overlapping, which may change over time and can affect any system within the body.

Symptoms that may arise but not limited to: cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological, musculoskeletal, metabolic, renal, dermatological, otolaryngological, haematological and autonomic systems in addition to psychiatric problems, generalised pain, fatigue and persisting fever. Information provided by NICE, SIGN and RCGP

PLEASE NOTE: We are in the process of updating our website with up to date, relevant and helpful information, both for people with long COVID and ME/CFS.  Please bear with us while we make these changes.  In the meantime, if you have any questions please contact us.

Please note that the self referral form is currently unavailable. if you would like further information on how to self refer, please call: 03000 840 007 

For general enquiries surrounding Long COVID please call 03000 840007