A national charity says COVID is still ‘shattering’ lives, and the NHS in Scotland is failing to properly support the more than 180,000 people living with long COVID.

Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland is calling on the government to commit to more long-term funding for long COVID support, as its new report reveals the ‘deepening crisis’ facing Scots.

Its report following a survey of nearly 2,000 people shows the lasting mental and financial burden, with 72% of those with long COVID said they required support but were not able to receive it.

It shows that access to rehabilitation services and the resulting impact on mental health present ‘significant challenges’, with 82% responding that they encountered some difficulty in accessing services.

Some survey respondents reported struggles to access any medical support whatsoever, with one person sharing: “I am unable to access any medical help because we’re told: ‘we can’t do anything for long COVID’ and just to follow online advice.”

This reflects wider concerns about long COVID pathways with 38% of respondents saying their doctor was not able to provide guidance on available support.

Dr Amy Small, GP and clinical adviser to Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland, says doctors are “desperate” to help people but are constrained by the limited pathways: 

“Doctors are desperate to help people living with long COVID, but sadly current pathways in most health boards don't have the clinical support that are desperately needed.  

“We do have medications that can be used to help treat the symptoms of Long COVID, but many GPs don't have experience of using these medications and need support from those doctors who are used to seeing patients with the complications of long COVID.  

“More needs to be done to embed doctors within long COVID pathways to support the Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) working in them.” 

The charity says the government must work with NHS Scotland and the Royal College of General Practitioners to ensure every primary care practitioner can signpost or refer to long COVID self-management support.

Its report also reveals that the cost-of-living crisis is having a significant impact on those living with long COVID, with around 40% of people now unable to work due to their condition.

This comes just weeks after national finance watchdog Audit Scotland called on the government to move from NHS recovery to reform in the face of increasing demand and rising costs.

People can’t wait any longer

Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland is now calling on the government and NHS Scotland to develop a strategy for funding long COVID services beyond the initial three-year period.

The Scottish and UK government should also work together to help people with long COVID who want to return to work with adjustments or support to retrain, according to the charity.

It says that Social Security Scotland and NHS Scotland should work together to improve data collection to better report on and support people with long COVID.

Chief Executive of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, Jane-Claire Judson, says people cannot wait any longer: 

“COVID is still having a huge impact on 180,000 people in Scotland and these people are living in crisis.  Not only are they experiencing a debilitating health condition, many are also facing extreme financial hardship due to their inability to work. Hardship that is compounded by the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. 

“We need the Scottish government to consider greater financial support for people living with Long Covid who are navigating this economic crisis and provide clarity around access and eligibility for benefits.  

“The Scottish government cannot leave people with long COVID to face unemployment in an economic crisis. We urgently need the Scottish government to review the financial support available and ensure that people can access it.  

“People with long COVID can't wait any longer. They are struggling financially and support from the NHS is patchy at best.” 

Read more: Long COVID Inquiry launched; Auditor General: Difficult choices for Scotland's NHS; Long COVID projects share £3m funding; Removal of mask wearing ‘dangerous'; Disposable gloves to protect patients and the planet

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