Contact your GP practice if:
- you’re worried about your symptoms
- your symptoms are getting worse
- you’re worried about how long COVID might be affecting any other health conditions you have
The team within your GP practice can provide advice.
NHS Inform Helpline
The NHS inform helpline (0800 22 44 88) is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
The Long Covid Digital Tailored Pathway
If you are living in Lothian, have a diagnosis of Long Covid and are able to self-manage your symptoms with some support, your GP can make a referral to the Long Covid Digital Tailored pathway.
The pathway provides a combination of digitally enabled support and 121 telephone support from a Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) health practitioner to help people manage symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, pacing and anxiety caused by Long Covid.
The platform, Tailored Talks, is a secure web-based platform where people are signposted to relevant medical information on symptom management. Once registered, you will be invited to complete a self-assessment questionnaire on the digital platform. Once the self-assessment questionnaire is completed, you will automatically be signposted to relevant Tailored Talks for you.
You will receive personalised online written and video health information and be able to request 1-12 weeks support from a CHSS health practitioner.
Find out more about the pathway:
If you require further support, please speak to your GP or Health Care professional. The following clinical services can also offer support:
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis-CFS Chronic Fatigue Rehabilitation Service (ME-CFS)
The Lothian ME-CFS Service offers support to those with a primary symptom of fatigue. They are a multi-disciplinary team made up of Specialist Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Applied Psychology staff. The ME/CFS service offers patient-centred advice and support to help manage the effects this condition can have on an individual’s life. Work with the service may include:
- Understanding Long Covid
- Engaging in activity monitoring and learning activity management strategies
- Identifying energisers and drainers
- Initiating good sleep practices
- Learning relaxation and stress management techniques
- Developing strategies to manage mood
- Exploring the use of stetches/gentle movement
- Improving communication
- Exploring adjustments to environment and use of aids
- Flare up planning
Speech and Language Therapy Voice Service
Speech and Language Therapy offer support with:
- Altered voice quality
- Swallowing
- Throat comfort/airway sensitivity
- Cognitive communication issues
Lothian Work Support
Lothian Work Support offer support with:
- Vocational Assessment and Rehabilitation
- Return to work support
- Support to manage health issues in the workplace
- Employer liaison and employment rights advice
Community Respiratory Teams
Community Respiratory Teams offer support with:
- Fatigue management
- Pain management
- Cognitive rehabilitation
- Occupational Therapy
Speak to your GP or Health professional to refer you to the relevant respiratory service in your area.
