To ask the Minister of Health what role he envisages the voluntary sector having in the provision of supported self-management as part of the dedicated treatment and assessment service for patients with Long COVID.

The service specification for Post-Covid services has been designed in line with NICE guideline NG188 on managing the long term effects of Covid-19, which covers identifying, assessing and managing the long-term effects of COVID-19. The five strands of the model are designed to be delivered in a HSC context, mainly in secondary care but with a key role for primary care both in referral to the service, and long-term support for patients with Post-Covid syndrome.

Since 01 November, one-stop-shop multidisciplinary assessment clinics have been accepting referrals for post-Covid-19 syndrome. These clinics allow people to have a comprehensive assessment of their condition and help them access the services and expert advice they need to support them in their recovery.

The MDT clinic is one element of the suite of services that are being established for post-Covid-19 patients. Other elements include:

Bespoke pulmonary rehabilitation / dysfunctional breathing service for patients with significant respiratory symptoms post COVID-19;

Additional support for patients discharged from critical care (both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19);

Strengthening psychology support to all Trusts; and,

Signposting and access to self-management resources.

Services will be continually reviewed and updated in line with any updates to the NICE guidance as to what are safe and effective treatments for post-Covid-19 patients.

In addition, my Department has provided funding to NI Chest, Heart and Stroke to enhance their existing services, enabling them to accept additional referrals for patients with post COVID-19 syndrome and to facilitate as many people as possible getting the help and support they need.