Minister draws attention to Long COVID and calls on professionals to work together to find the right treatment.
During a working visit to the Kompas health centre in Hengelo on Wednesday 9 March, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport Ernst Kuipers spoke to people with Long (long-term) COVID. He was very interested to hear what problems they encounter, what support they receive and what is needed to better meet their needs. He was impressed by the stories of Bianca (47), Ruben (19) and Eric (61). All three of whom became infected at the end of 2020 and are still struggling with the major impact it has on their health, but also on their studies, work and social life.
He then spoke with healthcare providers about their experience in guiding and treating this new patient group. He was updated by Longfonds and C-Support about their services to support people with Long COVID. For C-support, director Annemieke de Groot, medical advisor Alfons Olde Loohuis and aftercare advisor Marloes Kist talked about their experiences with the 12.000 patients who have registered.
Video working visit
Call for cooperation
With this working visit, the minister wants to contribute to more recognition and acknowledgement for people with Long COVID, in society and in the healthcare sector. He urgently appeals to all healthcare providers - medical and paramedical - to work together, following the example of the paramedics in this health centre. C-support indicated through director Annemieke de Groot that this cooperation in the field is not yet self-evident and that many Long COVID patients feel sent from pillar to post.
Alfons Olde Loohuis, medical advisor at C-support, advocated patient profiles.
“The differences between patients are great. In order to do more justice to that and to better tailor the treatment to it, such profiles could help. Treatment should take place in primary care in combination with a few national expertise centers where expert specialists support that treatment.”
No postponement of WIA assessment
When asked about more leniency for Long COVID patients in the WIA assessment, Minister Kuipers was very resolute. “In this country, we have agreed that it is reasonable to have a WIA assessment by the UWV after two years of illness. That applies to everyone, regardless of the nature of the illness. We cannot make an exception for Long COVID.”
Seek support!
The minister called on Long COVID patients for reliable information, (digital) advice on recovery, peer contact and recognizable stories. coronaplein.nu to go. “If the complaints persist after three months, please report to C-support. A national network of aftercare and medical advisors offers personal advice and support in all areas affected by the disease: physical and mental health, work, income and social life.”
Photos working visit
