To ask the Minister of Health what plans he has to adapt Long COVID services to meet the standards and outcomes of those in Germany, already being accessed by some patients from Northern Ireland.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) are responsible for providing evidence based guidance and advice for health, public health and social care practitioners. Post Covid-19 services in Northern Ireland have 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. Services here 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.

You will be aware that on the 1st November 2021, I launched the first dedicated assessment and treatment services for post-Covid syndrome. Since that date, one-stop-shop multidisciplinary assessment clinics have been accepting referrals for post-Covid-19 syndrome across all Trust areas. These clinics allow people to have a comprehensive assessment of their condition and will help them access the services and expert advice they need to support them in their recovery. They refer patients on to other services where appropriate, and provide patients with advice on how to manage their condition to aid 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.

In recognition of the immediate need to establish these very important services I made £1m funding available in 2021/22 and a bid to maintain services has also been made as part of the budget process for 2022/23 – 2024/25. I am pleased to say that work is well advanced on establishing these services across the Health and Social Care Trusts.