Brisbane long-Covid clinic to open to public in 2023

A Queensland triathlete who contracted long Covid last summer reveals she may look well, but going out for even a short time “means I am exhausted for the next two days”.

A long-Covid clinic will open to the public in Brisbane in the new year.

The clinic has operated at the Wesley Hospital in Auchenflower for its patients since July, but from January it will be extended to cater for the increased demand for long-Covid care.

“It is estimated that five per cent of people who have had Covid-19 will develop long Covid, and as infections continue to rise we believe the clinic will be an asset to the state,” the clinic said.

The number of Queenslanders living with long Covid has reached 90,000 and is expected to rise with the new wave.

Wesley Hospital general manager Sean Hubbard.

Patient Helen McLennan, a triathlete who contracted Covid-19 in February, presented to hospital five weeks after her confirmed diagnosis with breathing difficulty.

“I was a very fit, active and healthy person – I never thought Covid-19 could impact me the way it did, but I am still struggling with my health nearly a year on,” she said.

“I feel there is stigma around long Covid as people don’t quite understand.

“I may look well, but spending a short amount of time out and about means I am exhausted for the next two days.”

Wesley Hospital general manager Sean Hubbard said the Wesley’s mission was to respond to needs within the community.

“We are proud to be expanding the long-Covid clinic into the community for patients experiencing symptoms which impact their day-to-day function,” Mr Hubbard said.