Somerset Post COVID Assessment Service

Information for referrers

The service accepts referrals from GPs and other healthcare professionals in Somerset (UK) involved in a patient’s care. GPs can access a prepopulated referral form via EMIS.

What are the criteria for referral?

The patient:

  • Is 18 years or older (separate referral to paediatrics for under 18 years)
  • Had suspected or confirmed COVID-19 >12 weeks before the point of referral
  • Is not currently under active follow-up in secondary care following COVID-19 hospitalisation
  • Has persistent disabling symptoms that require specialist assessment
  • Has all of the initial investigations as specified on service referral form, within two months of the referral
  • Does not have an alternative cause for their symptoms following appropriate clinical assessment

The most common reason for rejected is referral is incomplete pre-referral tests. This causes delay in patient assessment.

These tests can be easily accessed via egroups on Tquest and look for long COVID.

Summary service pathway