Northern Ireland

Concern over absence of specialist long Covid services for young teens

Specialist long Covid clinics in Northern Ireland are for those aged 16 and over, with children affected by the condition instead referred to paediatric services
Specialist long Covid clinics in Northern Ireland are for those aged 16 and over, with children affected by the condition instead referred to paediatric services Specialist long Covid clinics in Northern Ireland are for those aged 16 and over, with children affected by the condition instead referred to paediatric services

CONCERNS about the absence of services for teenagers with long Covid have been raised after a 15-year-old suffering debilitating symptoms failed to access specialist support.

The girl, who is from outside Downpatrick, Co Down and due to sit GCSE exams this week, was told by a GP that he was unable to refer her to a new regional service as she was too young.

Set up last November, Northern Ireland's dedicated long Covid clinics are for those aged 16 and over experiencing a range of ongoing symptoms post virus, including chronic muscle pain, crippling fatigue and brain fog.

Assessment and treatment is provided with patients referred on to other specialities if required, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

However, under-16s are not eligible and instead referred to back to paediatric services in health trusts.

SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath was contacted by the family of the teenage girl who are desperate to get specialist help to aid her recovery.

"This is an extremely difficult time for the family concerned, with the patient affected set to sit part of her GCSE examinations this week," he said.

"I have contacted Education Minister Michelle McIlveen on their behalf to establish what support, if any, is available to young people with long Covid at school and while taking examinations.

"I have also written to Health Minister Robin Swann and asked him to address this as a matter of urgency. Covid-19 looks set to be with us in some form for the foreseeable and it will inevitably result in more young people in this age group needing care."

In a statement, the Department of Health said its post-Covid services were specifically designed for patients aged 16 and over following consultation with paediatric specialists in the north.

The department also stated it was following expert guidance from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), which advises government.

"Children who have not reached their 16th birthday who have persistent symptoms after a diagnosis of Covid who require more specialist assessment can be referred to trust paediatric services in the usual way," a spokesman said.

He added: "Although Covid-19 in children is usually of short duration with relatively mild symptoms, the department is aware that some children experience prolonged illness duration. The department will continue to study the emerging evidence in relation to Long Covid in children and to make sure we have the right services in place for assessment and treatment."