Emergency Vehicle Services in Mainz After Covid-19: Prolonged Delays in Response Time
In Rhineland-Palatinate, five Post-Covid Clinics have been established to address the ongoing health issues faced by individuals affected by Long Covid-19, commonly known as Post-Covid Syndrome. These clinics, located in Mainz, Worms, Kaiserslautern, Trier, and Koblenz, have been instrumental in providing care and support to over a thousand patients since their inception two years ago.
Dr. Christoph Lembens, the responsible doctor at the Post-Covid Clinic in Mainz, reports a decrease in new cases, but the clinic is still seeing over 100 people waiting for appointments. His role is not primarily as a caregiver, but as an advisor and guide, helping patients navigate the complexities of Post-Covid Syndrome. Many patients present with symptoms such as fatigue or depression, and Dr. Lembens often refers them to neurologists, psychiatrists, or back to family doctors for further treatment.
The treatment cases from these clinics are systematically recorded at the University Medical Center Mainz to assist doctors in making informed treatment decisions. The current funding period for these clinics ended in August 2025, and the state initially extended the funding by half a year, until April 2026. However, the extension or end date of the funding period is not explicitly stated in the available search results.
Health insurance companies are covering the costs of these health apps, which have been proven very helpful for Post-Covid patients. These apps allow for breathing therapy, concentration training, coordination, and balance training, providing a convenient and accessible means of support.
In addition to traditional treatments, the availability of "off-label products" for Post-Covid Syndrome has increased. These include special vitamin concentrates and nicotine patches, which may potentially help some patients with fatigue, according to Dr. Christoph Lembens. Nicotine patches, while not typically used in medicine, are being explored as a potential treatment option due to their potential to stimulate the nervous system and increase energy levels.
As the state plans to train specialists outside of post-Covid clinics and raise awareness of the condition, Dr. Lembens also addresses doubts about Post-Covid Syndrome among his colleagues. A third of the patients have found their way back to full capacity, while two-thirds have had to go into permanent retirement between the ages of 40 and 45, which means living on the social limit. Some patients have been put into part-time retirement due to Post-Covid Syndrome symptoms in the past years.
Diagnosing Post-Covid Syndrome requires intensive examinations and tests, taking up to three to five hours per patient. Despite the challenges, the Post-Covid Clinics in Rhineland-Palatinate continue to provide crucial support to those affected by Long Covid-19, offering hope and guidance on the road to recovery.
