Care Opinion

They are valuable in supporting people like me

Posted By Memorable moments

"They are valuable in supporting people like me"

About: Foyle Arena Western Health & Social Care Trust / Post Covid Syndrome Service

(as a service user),

I have attended the post COVID programme and as a healthcare professional myself, I can honestly say it was so beneficial in providing the knowledge and skills required to help me manage the symptoms that I have experienced following COVID. 

The informative sessions on the 6 week programme enable you to see that you are not on your own with symptoms and that you are provided with essential tools that you use to self manage. 

Going back to the basics and sharing the information and the ability to ask questions was great because not everyone's experience is the same.

I also have to say that having the additional breathlessness session was also a god send, as it provided me with the skills I needed to apply the relevant techniques to my every day life. The information was tailored to me and also having the practical piece incorporated into it, meant I could be shown how to do the techniques properly.

In my opinion I feel that these programmes are vital in providing support to people affected by COVID. You cannot underestimate the loneliness/isolation you experience when you have long COVID and when you go to your G.P- they do support however they do not provide the practical support or advice needed to help you manage the symptoms. 

When we look at the direction of healthcare I acknowledge that funding continues to be an issue, however I feel that these supportive sessions are essential in enabling people with long COVID to self manage their condition. I believe, not everyone- even myself, have the ability to recognise what tools is best to manage their condition. It is the specialist professionals that have the knowledge and skills to be the catalyst in enabling us to think differently, so we can make the adaptions required to self manage.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tracy, Ellen, Allison and Ruth for what they do to support people with long COVID. I sincerely hope that these programmes continue as they are valuable in supporting people like me.

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Responses

Response from Alison Gillen, Occupational Therapist Post Covid Syndrome Service, PCOP, WHSCT 4 months ago
Alison Gillen
Occupational Therapist Post Covid Syndrome Service, PCOP,
WHSCT

Submitted on 03/12/2024 at 10:49
Published on Care Opinion at 12:01

picture of Alison Gillen

Thank you so much for your valuable feedback as a patient but also as a valued member of the Western trust staff. It is important to know that our client centered approach has helped to enable you to self manage, an often misunderstood and complex condition. We are pleased that you feel listened to and had the opportunity to connect with others. Especially important that you felt understood and learned how the condition has affected you and feel less alone and isolated.

As a specialist team we try our best to meet the needs of our service users and listen to what matters to them. We appreciate your feedback on how the multidisciplinary approach 6 week Post Covid Rehabilitation Group and tailored managing breathless workshop has helped you. Your feedback is so important for us to know that the sessions were practical and help you in everyday life to self manage your condition. We wish you all the best in your continued recovery and journey.

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