Post-COVID Syndrome Service
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support for those Living with Post-COVID Syndrome
The Post-COVID Syndrome Service provides a multi-disciplinary stepped care pathway for adults living with the lasting effects and impact of a probable COVID-19 infection on physical and psychological wellbeing and daily functioning (including cognitive function).
‘Post-COVID Syndrome' (also known as 'Long COVID') describes signs or symptoms that have persisted beyond 12 weeks of an infection consistent with COVID-19 and no alternative explanation for this has been found. Post-COVID Syndrome can affect different systems in the body and symptoms can fluctuate and change over time.
In the Post-COVID Syndrome service, our aim is to work alongside you to find ways to manage persisting symptoms and to discover what changes can be made to help make a meaningful difference to your wellbeing and quality of life.
Our Team
Our team is made up of different professionals. Most of our team are Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, CBT therapists and Psychological Therapists trained in providing psychological assessment and therapies. The team also consists of a Clinical Health Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, Psychiatrist and Pharmacist who can offer involvement where appropriate for your needs.
We aim to work alongside your GP and other local health services to ensure your care is being provided in a joined-up way.
Common symptoms
Symptoms and signs of Post-COVID Syndrome include:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Breathlessness
- Cough
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain/tightness
- Brain fog - a term used to describe any of the following: poor concentration, forgetfulness, thinking more slowly than usual, lost words, feeling confused and/or mental fatigue.
- Headache
- Sleep disturbance
- Loss of taste and smell
- Hair loss
- Skin rashes
- Depression
- Anxiety
Who is the service for?
The Post-COVID Syndrome Service accepts self-referrals and referrals from professionals across the GMMH footprint. We provide a service to those:
- Living with the lasting effects and significant impact of a probable COVID-19 infection on physical well-being, psychological well-being and daily functioning (including cognitive function);
- Who have been assessed by their GP or medical team regarding post-COVID-related signs and symptoms;
- Over the age of 18 years;
- Registered with a GP in Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Bolton or Wigan.
Depending on need, the service may recommend onward referral or signposting to other services. This might include referral to secondary care mental health services, drug and alcohol services or urgent care services.
For self-referrals, please click here.
For professional referrals, please click here.
Useful resources
NHS England Resources
NHS England & Improvement - 'What is Post-COVID Syndrome?' and more information: Coronavirus » Post-COVID Syndrome (Long COVID) (england.nhs.uk)
NHS England - Your COVID Recovery 'Long COVID' Resource: YCR-01-Long-Covid.pdf (yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk)
NHS England - Your COVID Recovery 'Managing Your Mood and Coping with Frustration' Resource: Managing Your Mood and Coping with Frustration | Your COVID Recovery
24/7 Mental Health Crisis Helpline for all ages
Our free 24/7 mental health crisis helpline for all ages is here to help our service users, carers, and people living in the areas we serve. If you are worried or anxious about your mental health or feeling as though you are in a mental health crisis and need urgent support and help, please don't hesitate to call. The mental health crisis helpline is also there for you if you are concerned about a loved one, neighbour, friend or family member. It is open all day and night, 365 days per year and it is free of charge.
We sometimes receive a large number of calls, so please bear with us.
0800 953 0285
As a service user, relative or carer using our services, sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice, and support.
Find resources for carers and service users Contact the Trust