Thank you to everyone who has told us about their experiences of Long Covid so far.
In 2021/22 we heard from Kent and Medway residents about what it is like to live with Long Covid and which services and support matter most to them.
Their views were used to help shape the Post Covid Assessment Service, which was launched in May 2021. We also established a Long Covid Patient Reference Group made up of patients across Kent and Medway.
In May and June 2022, 461 people took part in a further survey to tell us about their experiences of services so far and about what they needed going forward.
We also carried out interviews and held discussions at the Long Covid Patient Reference Group. Here is a report that summarises the findings and provided specific recommendations.
These recommendations are being taken forward by the Long Covid Delivery Group which includes patient representatives.
In September 2022 NHS Kent and Medway was named as winner of the 2022 Patient Experience Network National Award (PENNA) for commissioning for patient experience.
The award commends the way we have engaged with more than 900 people in co-designing services and support for people living with Long Covid.
This short film that was produced for the awards ceremony explains this work.
Patients continue to help design and buy new services to provide more effective support and treatment for Long Covid, based on their lived experience.
If you are living with Long Covid, or you are a carer of someone who does, and are interested in joining the patient reference group please email kmicb.engage@nhs.net.
Further information about services and support for Long Covid can be found here.