Filenews 8 October 2021
The Organization of State Health Services (CYSO), announces the operation of the first Clinic for long COVID patients at Nicosia General Hospital.
These are, it is noted, patients who have been hospitalized and although they have been discharged from the hospital they still face complications due to coronavirus, either in the respiratory, circulatory or musculoskeletal system.
As mentioned, the main symptoms they present are the feeling of chronic fatigue and shortness of breath, with some of them still needing oxygen. Other symptoms that have been observed are sleep, memory, mood and concentration disorders, making them non-functional in their daily lives.
It is added that based on both international and so far reports, it is estimated that around 30% of patients who have been infected with coronavirus continue to face even one problem even twelve weeks after the acute phase. As far as Cyprus is concerned, this percentage translates into about 30,000 patients.
The evaluation and referral process
In order to provide the necessary services to these individuals, the CySEC proceeded to the operation of a Medical Center, which consists of a multidisciplinary team, with various medical specialties.
Upon arrival at the Clinic, patients are asked to complete a questionnaire that has been prepared and are then examined by the doctors of the CySEC.
Through this process, all the needs of the patients are recorded in order to be referred to the appropriate doctor's specialty and to receive the necessary services they need in order to overcome the complications and problems they present weeks or even months after their illness and hospitalization.
The referral of patients to the Clinics of the CySEC for long COVID patients is made either after their discharge from the hospital or after referral from their Personal Doctor.
CNA
