Long COVID
An estimated 2 million people living in the UK (3.1% of the population) experience long COVID (ONS January 2023). Long COVID is defined as signs, symptoms and conditions that develop after an initial COVID-19 infection. Over 200 different symptoms have been reported affecting multiple organ systems. Fatigue is the most common problematic symptom reported.
What is Clinical Health Psychology?
Our psychology led team comprises of clinical and counselling psychologists, supported by an assistant psychologist. The team sit within the clinical health psychology department at Salford Royal Hospital and feed into the multidisciplinary long COVID services in Salford and across Greater Manchester. We work closely with other healthcare colleagues to make sure all aspects of your care are supported.
What do we do?
The Long Covid Fatigue Psychology service supports patients living with fatigue following a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection. The team provide individualised support to manage symptoms associated with fatigue and the impact of fatigue on psychological wellbeing, improve their quality of life and finding ways of resuming activities that have been stopped because of fatigue.
Fatigue Symptoms
Fatigue is the most common problematic symptom reported in Long COVID (ONS July 2022). Some symptoms may include, but are not limited to:
- Experiencing a marked reduction in activity
- Being unable to work, or having to take days off sick due to fatigue
- Not being able to socialise or partake in hobbies and leisure activities due to fatigue
- Not being able to do housework or look after children due to fatigue
- Spending several hours a day sleeping or resting, unable to do any activity
- Worsening of fatigue symptoms following even minor physical or mental exertion
- Delayed onset of fatigue typically worsening 24-48 hours after activity
What will happen when I am referred?
Initially you will be offered an assessment by one of our qualified psychologists to understand your difficulties and determine what support is best suited based on your needs.
It may be in some instances we decide together that an onward referral to another service will be helpful initially. This could include other services within the Long-COVID pathway, primary or secondary care mental health services, drug and alcohol services or urgent care services.
If we decide you are best supported within our team, you may be offered individual support or a group intervention.
Common areas of work include:
- Energy management strategies, including pacing
- Exploring barriers to pacing
- Managing the psychological impact of fatigue
- Developing self-care strategies
- Increasing quality of life
We offer face-to face, video call and telephone appointments, please discuss which format suits you best with the clinician at the time of your assessment.
Will my information be confidential?
The psychologist will take notes during or after your appointment, these are stored securely and confidentially. It is routine procedure for the psychologist to provide a summary letter of any assessment or support provided to your medical team. This letter can be helpful in highlighting particular psychological needs which could be addressed in order to support you through the process. This letter will be stored with your medical notes, and you will be provided with a copy of this letter. If there is anything you want to remain confidential, this will be respected wherever possible, subject to the need to consider the safety of yourself and others.
Referral Information
To be considered for a referral, please discuss with a professional involved in your care. Referrals from professionals working within the Northern Care Alliance Foundation NHS Trust can be made via an electronic order on EPR to the Long COVID Fatigue Psychology Service. External healthcare professionals can refer via letter to our service.
Contact Information
Long COVID Fatigue Psychology Service
Clinical Health Psychology
Department Clinical Sciences Building
Salford Royal
Stott Lane
Salford
M6 8HD
Phone number: 0161 206 5588
Website: www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/our-services/long-covid- fatigue-psychology-service
Or scan the below QR code:
Local Support Group
Manchester and Trafford Long COVID Peer Support Group
This is a weekly online group open to anyone living in Greater Manchester. For more information, please contact email: contact@gmlongcovid.org
Date of Review: January 2026
Date of Next Review: January 2028
Ref No: PI_P_1745 (Salford)