A MAJOR new study is using Oxford patients to study the long-term impact of coronavirus.

Led by the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), the study will draw on expertise from leading researchers and clinicians from across the UK to assess the impact of Covid-19 on patient health and their recovery.

Oxford investigators have been at the forefront in leading this study with the Leicester investigators, providing expertise in multi-organ imaging, mental health and lung disease.

More than 50 consultants and researchers are working together in Oxfordshire on the research.

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The study involves collaboration between Oxfordshire's two health trusts, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, as well as Oxford University and the two trust's Biomedical Research Centres.

Around 10,000 patients are expected to take part nationally, making it the largest comprehensive study in the world to understand and improve the health of survivors after hospitalisation from Covid-19.

Professor Meghana Pandit, chief medical officer at OUH, said: “The results of this research will be crucial for our understanding of the longer term effects of Covid-19.

"I am really pleased that our patients will be able to benefit from this research which is made possible by the close working of the NHS and Oxford University through the BRC.”

Patients on the study will be assessed using techniques such as advanced imaging, data collection and analysis of blood and lung samples.