Dr. Colm Henry:

As part of the current investment, we are carrying out a survey to get a greater idea from specialist services as to how prevalent this condition is. When we devised the model of care a year ago, the only data we had was real data from different healthcare systems around the world which showed initial high rates of symptomatic post-acute syndrome followed by rapid attrition as the months went by. In other words, it seemed to disappear with time. I got some data this morning from one particular hospital in which as many as 20% or 30% of patients who developed acute Covid and were hospitalised still had significant symptoms 12 weeks later. That is the experience of one particular centre. Part of the work we are now doing, in addition to building up these specialist centres for referral, is carrying out a survey to get a greater understanding of the service needs based on the symptoms people have. Our awareness of the syndrome is evolving around the world, not just in Ireland. We know the geographic distribution of Covid from epidemiological data received from public health during the pandemic. We know that certain counties, such as Donegal, were particularly affected. The specialist services and pathways we set up one year ago reflected where we felt the highest prevalence might be, based on acute illness.

As I said, part of the work we are doing now is trying to make an impact through the numbers.