Support for COVID-19 Survivors
Our services during COVID-19
As well as continuing to provide our services to people with chest, heart and stroke conditions, we are now also supporting those recovering from COVID-19.
We have decades of experience in providing professional support and self-help resources to people affected by lung, heart and stroke conditions. So, if you’re recovering from the Coronavirus, we’re here to make sure you have the support you need while you regain lung function and general health. To do this, we’ve just launched Northern Ireland’s first community support service for COVID-19 survivors – the COVID-19 Recovery Service.
COVID-19 Recovery Service
The COVID-19 Recovery Service is aimed at helping people recovering from COVID-19 deal with the physical and psychological problems caused by the illness. It has also been specially developed to include practical support that will help to improve lung and general health.
This programme of targeted support consists of a six-week programme which will initially be delivered by phone, video call and online. As COVID-19 restrictions relax and safety guidance permits, we’ll then provide this support face-to-face.
One of the first to benefit from the COVID-19 Recovery Service is Niall Murphy, who spent weeks on a ventilator after contracting COVID-19. He is still recovering slowly at home, many weeks after being discharged from hospital and is unable to return to full-time work.
I was in a coma for 16 days and was given a 50/50 chance of pulling through. I’m only now fully appreciating the danger I was in, but my wife and family had to deal with it in real time.
I have a long period of recovery ahead, but I’m improving slowly.I’m currently going through a breathing programme offered as part of Chest Heart and Stroke’s Covid recovery service and it has been a great support.
Niall Murphy, one of the first to benefit from the new service, on his experience of COVID-19
COVID-19 survivors can be referred to the COVID-19 Recovery Service in the first instance by a medical professional, or you can self-refer by emailing chestsupportni@nichs.org.uk.
