Scots suffering long-term physical and psychological effects from covid-19 are to be supported by a new framework for recovery.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman says those experiencing pain or fatigue, cardiovascular or pulmonary issues, and neurological or cognitive symptoms like anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder after contracting the virus will be supported under a new framework.

People who may also be experiencing problems with their joints, bones and muscles as a result of shielding, or who have seen other health conditions worsen like COPD or type 2 diabetes will be covered by the new guidance.

Speaking at a press conference, Ms Freeman said: “The framework we are publishing will help our NHS boards and health and social care partnerships as they plan the restart and prioritisation of their services and help us to ensure consistency across the country.

“The work is led by Carolyn McDonald, Chief Officer of the Allied Health Professions, and has been brought together with the help of clinical experts, but informed also by condition specific organisations like the British Lung Foundation, Versus Arthritis, the Scottish Trauma Network and Royal Colleges.”

healthandcare.scot reported last week on campaigners who had responded to a Scottish Government consultation by warning that a plan to improve Scotland’s lung health would need to be adapted to take account of the “tragic impact” of covid-19.

Last month the Allied Health Professions Federation Scotland told healthandcare.scot rehabilitation services needed to be bolstered to meet a “daunting” rehabilitation challenge in the same was hospitals were at the start of the crisis.

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