Thread by @BinitaKane

Thanks to @StaceyPooleITV there’s been a focus on #LongCovidKids in the media this week.
Whenever @NHSEngland are asked for a statement re:Long Covid, it states ‘we have invested £X million’.
I want that taxpayers money to create value for patients, the system and clinicians 1/

Who is currently winning?
The patients? No
The healthcare economy? No
Clinicians? No
U.K. workforce? No

So let’s measure proper outcomes for those three things to ensure that money is being invested in the right place 2/

.@Sunny_Rae1 and I have talked a lot about this. We believe we Post-viral illnesses need to be defined as a specialty with clinicians trained in the underlying pathophysiology.

Patients are then seen by experts who can deal with multisystem issues, treat, support & monitor
3/

This is supported by;

(1) advice and guidance from single-organ specialists where needed.

(2) Therapists who are trained in managing PEM/autonomic dysfunction/pacing/HRV monitoring

(3) Other holistic therapists; dietician, psychology, SALT etc as part on one specialist MDT 4/

This is how many specialist commissioned services in the NHS work and have done so for years. Severe Asthma being an example of one I have lots of experience with 5/

This would achieve;

1. Better joined up, specialised, care for patients
2. Opportunity to have treatment trials supported by one team
3. Huge research potential
4. Sharing of expertise via specialist networks
5. Better value for taxpayers money.

6/

Is this achievable? Absolutely. It will take time but we need to start!

The problem continues to grow as more and more people develop post-viral illnesses.

#MECFS has been ignored for decades. I hope that #longcovid can drive change change in the right direction. END/