A free ‘long Covid’ rehabilitation programme has been launched in Essex.

Nuffield Health, a leading UK healthcare charity, has launched a free 12-week specialist recovery programme.

The programme, which is the first of its kind, has been designed to help the ever-growing number of people who are finding it difficult to recover from the long-term effects of Covid-19.

One in 10 people who are infected with Covid-19 will develop some form of long Covid, with symptoms including breathlessness, anxiety and chronic fatigue. Patients are currently discharged from hospital with no formal recovery plan, which can result in a longer recovery process, and prolonged side effects.

The new programme available at Nuffield Health’s Fitness and Wellbeing centres in Chingford and Chelmsford blends together physical therapy and mental health support.

“When Covid-19 hit, we quickly identified there was an unmet need for a growing number of patients who had been medically discharged but who still needed physical and emotional support," said Dr Davina Deniszczyc, medical director at Nuffield Health.

"As the nation continues to recover, it is crucial that we remember that many patients are still struggling with symptoms and that’s why we’re doing everything we can to rollout our specialist recovery programme across the UK, so more people can access our services."

Bosses at Nuffield Health say early indications from their pilot programme shows the programme has positive benefits for reducing breathlessness, increasing functional capacity, reducing anxiety and improving physical fitness.

The first six weeks are delivered virtually and include at home exercises, nutrition guidance and emotional wellbeing advice covering areas such as managing sleep, fatigue and anxiety. The next six weeks are delivered in person.

Rehabilitation specialist Tom Reagan at Nuffield Health said: “We know that many people living in Essex have seen their quality of life seriously impacted by debilitating and lingering Covid-19 symptoms. I would encourage everyone who feels like they are suffering in silence to get in touch. Our team is here to help."