Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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1819. To ask the Minister for Health the way the health system plans to deal with the predicted higher hospital admissions from long-Covid-19 symptoms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35560/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Covid-19 is a new disease so information on it, its features and its course are still emerging. Scientific and clinical evidence is evolving on the long-term effects of COVID-19. An increasing number of reports and studies are now being published on the topic, however, at present there is no agreement on the definition or the terminology.

Scientific and clinical evidence is evolving on the long-term effects of COVID-19. It is recognised that persistent and prolonged symptoms can occur after acute COVID-19 infection in a proportion of patients, including in some patients who did not develop symptoms severe enough to require hospitalisation. My Department, through the Health Research Board, continues to fund research into the clinical impacts of COVID-19.

Patients with persistent symptoms following Covid-19 infection may be followed up by their GP or in hospital settings as clinically appropriate. People in the community who are concerned about persistent symptoms following Covid-19 should contact their GP in the first instance. Treatment is currently focused on management of specific symptoms. In line with Sláintecare, we need to ensure that as much reablement and rehabilitation care as possible is delivered in the community, as close to people’s homes as possible. General practice plays a key part in the delivery of a national post-acute (Long) COVID-19 service.

Specific guidance on the treatment of Long Covid is presently under development both here and internationally.

The HSE is assessing need and the best way to care for those impacted by Long COVID. I can advise the Deputies that the HSE as part of its work on post-Covid care, is now looking at how it can model the possible numbers that will be affected, noting that this will take time as more evidence emerges. I understand that the HSE has been in touch with a group of people who are suffering post-Covid symptoms to inform understanding. Guidance is being developed to align needs with care provision and to develop criteria and strategies for the ongoing evaluation of patients.

The Department of Health will continue to develop an understanding of the implications of Long Covid to inform policy as appropriate.