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The hospital wards

The COVID-19 outbreak has affected UK hospitals in many different ways.Some Units have been quieter, and have been able to keep their patients in Intensive Care as long as they normally would. Others will have been exceptionally busy, and may have had no option but to transfer their most recovered patients to the hospital wards a little more quickly than normal. The wards will also vary greatly in terms of how much rehabilitation and follow-up they are able to offer. 

In this section, we've provided some general information and advice on common physical and psychological issues issues during the ward stage of recovery, the types of staff involved in your care (who they are and what they do) and what to expect in terms of getting you home. We've also included sections on other people's experiences and frequently asked questions. We hope you find it helpful.

 

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Article: Speech and Language Therapist

What does a Speech and Language Therapist do? Speech and Language Therapists are trained in assessing and treating swallowing and communication problems. Why might I need to see a Speech and Language Therapist during or after Intensive Care? It is not uncommon for patients who have spent time on a ventilator or breathing machine to develop short term problems with swallowing or with their voice. Temporary changes to the sound and strength of the voice can occur, with it...

Web Link: Stopping smoking: Quit4Good

This link will take you to NHS Borders' Stop Smoking service: Quit4Good. They can offer support after you get home, either by meeting with specialist advisors or through your local pharmacist.    

Article: Strange dreams

Is it common to have strange dreams after going to the ward? Yes, it is very common to continue to have strange dreams after being transferred to the wards. In fact, some patients only "come to" on the wards and often don't remember very much about their time in Intensive Care (or how they ended up there) and have very strange dreams or memories.

External Video: Strange Dreams and memories in ICU

This is a short video in which Professor Tim Walsh (a Consultant in Intensive Care) explains the reasons why many patients have strange dreams during and after their time in Intensive Care.

Web Link: Support and benefits for carers

This link will take you to the NHS page on support for carers. You'll find trustworthy information on carers' rights, carers' assessments, benefits for carers, breaks and respite care, and support for young carers.

Web Link: Support services for carers

This link will take you to the website of the Carers' Trust. They offer online information and advice on a whole range of issues, including respite care and looking after yourself. They have a "help directory" of local support and a lively forum and chat room where you can talk online to other carers.

Web Link: Swallowing problems ("dysphagia") after COVID-19 (video)

Some patients may develop problems with swallowing, after spending time in Intensive Care due to COVID-19. Patients who spend a longer time on the ventilator (breathing machine or life support machine) may be at increased risk of developing these types of problems. This link will take you to a 10 minute video from an NHS Speech and Language Therapist. Some of the language used is a bit technical, but there are short animations that will help you understand the normal process of...

Web Link: Swallowing, speech and mouth care

Some patients who have had COVID-19 may develop problems with swallowing, their voice (which might be weakened, rough or hoarse), and a sore or dry mouth. These problems are particularly common among patients who spend a bit longer in Intensive Care. This link will take you to Lancashire Teaching Hospitals' excellent online resource on recovery after COVID-19. This section includes advice from healthcare professionals on eating and drinking, and looking after your voice and mouth. You...

Web Link: Tests & treatments: find out more

This link will take you to the webpage of NHS Inform.Here, you'll find easily understandable information on common tests (eg blood tests, various types of scans, etc ), medical treatments and surgical procedures (everything from a knee replacement to heart surgery).