Condition: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus has become a global pandemic and acute and long-term lung effects are now recognised.  This includes a spectrum of lung damage but also pulmonary vascular problems related to the SARS-CoV-2 acute illness.

The combination of the viral pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are the more severe manifestations of the acute COVID-19 illness and may potentially lead to pulmonary fibrosis.

Another major potential presentation is the recognition that COVID-19 is associated with clots forming in both the circulation including the vessels supplying the lung. This can occur in those critically ill but also those with less severe COVID-19 infections.

Lung function tests, exercise tests and specialist lung scans are required to fully identify these problems.

Treatments that may be used include antiviral and anti-inflammation agents in addition to blood-thinning agents that treat clots or prevent new events.

Patients with persistent fatigue and breathlessness following this disease (‘long COVID’) may benefit from graduated exercises, lung rehabilitation and the input of respiratory physiotherapists.

Over the last two years, we have seen an ever-increasing number of patients who have suffered acutely from Covid-19, and now have Long Covid symptoms that need ongoing care and management. That is why we have brought together selected specialty areas – Heart Health, Lung Health, Endocrinology, Digestive Health, Neurology, and Ear, Nose & Throat – to create a simple-to-navigate patient pathway that ensures that you are seen by the right specialist from the very start of your treatment journey.

The OneWelbeck Long Covid Pathway is for self-pay patients who think that they might have Long Covid, or who have already been diagnosed with Long Covid by their GP.

For patients who have not yet had a diagnosis, the first step would be an appointment with our specialist GP partners, Chelsea Medics. Their service offers a face-to-face consultation at OneWelbeck, along with blood tests and a questionnaire, all of which help indicate which OneWelbeck specialist you might need to see. Once your results are through, the GP will evaluate them and then refer you to the correct consultant at OneWelbeck.

For patients who have already been diagnosed with Long Covid by their GP, and have been told that you need to consult with a doctor from one of the below specialty areas, then you can book in directly with the team at OneWelbeck.

Digestive Health

Many patients aren’t aware that Long Covid symptoms include gastrointestinal complaints, including abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, and unintentional weight loss. Our Digestive Health specialists are equipped to run an array of diagnostic tests to define the nature of your complaint, and then establish a treatment plan, including referring you on to dietitians and/or nutritionists where relevant.

Ear, Nose & Throat

Loss or distortion of your sense of taste and/or smell are amongst the most common Long Covid symptoms. At OneWelbeck Ear, Nose & Throat we have some of the UK’s leading specialists in anosmia and parosmia, and they are at the forefront of research into treatment of these conditions.

Endocrinology

Long Covid can manifest itself in prolonged periods of extreme fatigue. Our endocrine specialists will be able to carry out thorough tests to establish any hormonal imbalances, and then set out a clear recovery plan to get you back to feeling your best.

Heart Health

Lingering cardiac symptoms can be amongst the most worrying in Long Covid sufferers. Palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath can all indicate Long Covid. Our Heart Health consultants are able to perform in-depth diagnostic tests to establish the root causes and then advise on next steps for recovery.

Lung Health

Respiratory symptoms as a result of Long Covid can have a huge impact on day-to-day life: shortness of breath, and a prolonged cough, can both affect quality of life very quickly. Fortunately, at OneWelbeck we have specialists on-hand to help, from respiratory consultants, to respiratory physiotherapists, and all the diagnostic tools needed to correctly assess and evaluate a patient’s lung health.

Neurology

Neurological Long Covid symptoms have not had as much air time as others, however they can be just as life-affecting as the symptoms that have had more press coverage over the last two years. Neurological symptoms include fatigue, myalgia (muscle aches and pains), sleep disorders, headaches, numbness or tingling sensations, brain fog, peripheral neuropathy (damaged nerves) and speech/language issues. Our neurologists at OneWelbeck are able to carry out a wide range of diagnostic tests in-house to establish where the root cause lies, and then map out a full recovery plan.

Additional services

Depending on the nature of your symptoms, we are able to work in partnership with some of our Allied Health Professionals who will help provide a comprehensive treatment plan. This includes dietitians, nutritionists, respiratory physiotherapists, psychiatrists and psychologists.

You can simply call or email Chelsea Medics directly: 020 7952 2495 or reception@marylebone.clinic. Their team will book your GP appointment to take place either at OneWelbeck or via video call, which is where you will have a bespoke consultation. Your past medical history will be taken, and you’ll have a comprehensive examination, which will assess your physical, cognitive, and psychological symptoms, as well as functional abilities.

The GP will then arrange any necessary investigations and tests to confirm the presence of Long Covid, as well as identifying any complications. They will review your test results, confirm the diagnosis, and then create a management plan that may include referrals to our recommended specialists at OneWelbeck.

GP appointments are available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Costs will vary according to your symptoms and the specialists you need to see, plus the diagnostic tests that are needed.

Please note that all prices below are for consultation only - all diagnostic tests will be charged separately.

Consultation with private GP (Chelsea Medics, in-person or virtually)

£200

Consultation with OneWelbeck Digestive Health specialist

£275

Consultation with OneWelbeck Ear, Nose & Throat specialist

£220

Consultation with OneWelbeck Endocrinology specialist

£300

Consultation with OneWelbeck Heart Health specialist

£275

Consultation with OneWelbeck Lung Health specialist

£280

Consultation with OneWelbeck Neurology specialist

£240