Service overview
We're the Berkshire Long COVID Integrated Service (BLIS) Rehab, and we can help you manage and improve the symptoms of long COVID.
Long COVID, also known as post COVID-19 syndrome, is a condition where you experience symptoms more than 12 weeks after catching COVID-19.
Long COVID can have a complex mixture of different symptoms, and everybody's experience will be different. Our team is made up of advanced physiotherapy practitioners (APPs), occupational therapists, and psychological therapists, who all work together to provide the right care for you.
Accessing our service
We can help you if you're aged 12 or over, and registered with a GP in Wokingham, Reading, or West Berkshire. You must also have been assessed by the Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) BLIS Assessment Service.
Before your GP refers you to us, they may need to run a few tests. This could be blood tests and a chest x-ray, if you’re continuing to experience respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath.
Once we have received your referral from the RBH, we’ll contact you by telephone or letter to book your appointment.
If you’ve been seen by us before, your GP may refer you directly to us, but we may send you for further assessment at the RBH depending on the new information we receive about your condition.
Preparing for an assessment
We will arrange your first appointment to talk with you about your symptoms and concerns, and how these affect your daily life.
This first session will last around 45 minutes, and we try to offer appointments based on your preference, by telephone, video call, or in person.
Please check your appointment before attending, so you have enough time to get ready.
Depending on your symptoms we may suggest further observation of our breathing for example, and we may ask you to complete questionnaires. We'll explain any further tests with you.
Based on your needs and the latest research evidence, we'll create a treatment plan with you.
Treating Long COVID
We offer advice and guidance for treating the different symptoms of Long COVID, and getting back to your daily life, such as:
- returning to work and communicating with your employer
- managing extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- getting back into sporting activities and deconditioning
- managing pain
- improving your thinking and and reducing the effects of brain fog
- overcoming breathlessness
Our approach
We provide our online Long COVID group sessions, led by our experienced therapist. We’ll give you full details of how to access this.
The group programme is six weeks long, with each session lasting around 90 minutes.
We can also provide access to our online resources, which you can work through at your own pace.
We can offer individual appointments with our physiotherapy, psychological therapy, and occupational therapy teams to help manage your symptoms.
Occupational Therapist (OTs)
Our OT specialists can help with adjusting to daily life, and offering advice on any reasonable adjustments your employer or tutor may need to make when you're returning to work or study.
Psychological therapy
Long COVID can be challenging to your mental health and wellbeing. Baes on your assessment, our psychology team may offer up to 6 treatment sessions focused on your needs and goals.
We also offer some group programmes.
The sessions can cover any COVID-related grief, trauma or distress, or symptoms of depression or anxiety. Sessions can be used to explore how to adapt to your current circumstances and explore your expectations for the future.
Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners (APP)
Our APP specialists work together with other health teams, including our spinal team. They can diagnose and treat spinal and pain conditions.
Managing your health
There is help available from NHS and different charities and communities to manage your symptoms.
What is Long COVID?
You can learn about the condition and how our service can you by visiting our Long COVID page.
Fatigue
Watch our video about how to manage extreme mental and physical tiredness (fatigue) caused by Long COVID.
Pacing
Pacing is the balance between rest and activities. This video explains pacing and tips on how to pace when living with an energy-limiting condition. It covers some of the common barriers people may encounter when trying to successfully pace.
The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has created a guide on how to manage energy levels when recovering from illness or managing long-term health conditions.
Brain Fog
Long COVID can cause issues with concentration, paying attention, and forgetfulness. This is often referred to as brain fog.
Watch our video on how to manage brain fog caused by Long COVID.
Breathlessness
The University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) has created video about breathlessness in Long COVID.
They have tips about breathing control exercise to support you.
Loss or change in smell/taste
Life Kitchen
A free digital cookbook that can help if you are experiencing a change or loss of taste and smell
SmellTaste
The SmellAbility toolbox tests and trains your ability to smell.
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
Best practice guidance for speech and language therapists working with those experiencing eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties.
Sleep difficulties
Every Mind Matters (NHS UK)
Information and advice about sleep and sleep difficulties.
Contextual Consulting
Learn how psychological therapy approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help with sleep problems.
'The Reality Slap' by Russ Harris
This book provides an introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and how it can help when life throws unexpected challenges our way.
The book is available in print and as an audiobook.
Sleep Foundation
Advice about bedtimes routine to help improve your sleep.
Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS)
Some Long COVID patients may experience PoTS. This condition affects heart rate and blood pressure, making it difficult to sit up or stand.
Your e-Health Passport
Your e-Health Passport lets us know what's important to you - from your preferred name and pronouns to how you'd like us to support you and communicate with you.
Learn moreContact us and FAQs
If you need urgent help or out of hours support, please contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice.
Finchampstead Clinic
Berkshire Long COVID Integrated Service (BLIS)
Contact number: 0118 904 6141 (Available 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday)
Out of hours contact: 111
Email: BLISrehab@berkshire.nhs.uk
Postcode: RG40 3RG
Location details57-59 Bath Road, Reading
Berkshire Long COVID Integrated Service (BLIS)
Out of hours contact: 111
Postcode: RG30 2BA
Location detailsWokingham Hospital
Berkshire Long COVID Integrated Service (BLIS)
Out of hours contact: 111
Postcode: RG41 2RE
Location details3 Adlam Villas, Newbury
Berkshire Long COVID Integrated Service (BLIS)
Out of hours contact: 111
Postcode: RG14 7HX
Location detailsErlegh House, Reading
Berkshire Long COVID Integrated Service (BLIS)
Out of hours contact: 111
Postcode: RG6 6BZ
Location detailsFrequently asked questions
What happens at the end of my treatment with BLIS-Rehab?
When you have completed your treatment plan with BLIS-Rehab you will receive a letter summarising the treatment received and any further management recommendations and advice.
We'll send a copy this letter to your GP.
Can I be seen again if I been discharged by BLIS-Rehab, but my symptoms have returned or worsened?
Once you have been discharged by BLIS-Rehab, you will need to talk with your GP for another referral.
This is to make sure that we have the most up-to-date medical information to provide the right care for you.
Your GP may refer you directly to BLIS-Rehab Service rather than via the BLIS-Assessment Service.
We can also help you with:
Is there any information for friends, family and carers?
If you’re a family member, carer, or you look after someone, there’s practical, financial, and emotional support available from a range of local communities and national organisations.
How do I request an interpreter?
We can provide language translation and interpretation support.
Tell our staff which language you prefer to use, and we will make sure the right communication support is in place for your assessment and treatment. Please let us know as early as possible so we can ensure the appropriate translation or interpreting support is available.
We offer a range of professional services to ensure everyone can understand and be understood:
- Telephone interpreting
- Video remote interpreting (VRI)
- Face‑to‑face interpreting
- Written translation
- British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting
How can I get information in an accessible format?
Anyone with a disability, impairment, or sensory loss has the right to get information in a format that meets their needs.
The Accessible Information Standard (AIS) is a legal requirement for all health and adult social care providers. This means making sure that people who use our services, including carers and families, can understand our information and communicate with us easily.
We can offer information in a range of accessible formats, including:
- British Sign Language (BSL)
- Large print
- Braille
- Audio
- Easy read
- Text message
- Face‑to‑face support with a carer or advocate present
If you need information in any of these formats, please tell a member of our team and we will make sure your communication needs are met.
Are service dogs allowed at my appointment?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your registered service animal, such as a guide dog, hearing dog, medical alert dog, or other trained assistance dog to your appointment.
These animals are recognised as essential support and are permitted in most areas of our services.
To help us prepare, please let the team know before your appointment if you will be attending with a service animal. This allows us to make sure the environment is safe and comfortable for you, your animal, and other patients.
Please note that service animals may not be able to enter certain restricted clinical areas for safety or infection‑control reasons, but we will always work with you to find an appropriate alternative.
What does it mean to treat our team with respect?
Respect is important.
We will be polite and kind and we expect that you treat our staff in the same way.
Abuse, hate and discrimination against our staff is unacceptable.
We will take strong action against anyone who is verbally, racially, physically, or sexually abusive to them.
This may include contacting the police to prosecute, and stopping future access to our healthcare services.
How do I find my NHS number?
The easiest way to find your NHS number is using the official NHS online service which can be accessed below.
You may also want to read our guidance page for more information about other ways to find your NHS number or what to do if you cannot find yours.
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