Scots with long Covid ‘left unsupported and destitute’

Thousands of Scots living with long Covid have been left unsupported and unable to work, a new study shows.

Health charity Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) says their survey shows that the NHS is failing to adequately support the 180,000 people across Scotland who are living with long Covid

A key finding of the report indicated that 40 per cent of people living with long Covid were unable to work at all due to their condition. This could equate to as many as 72,000 Scots exiting the labour market since 2020.

The report also revealed that: 72 per cent of people with long Covid said there was support they needed but weren’t able to access, while 82 per cent said they encountered some kind of difficulty in accessing services, with some struggling to access any medical support.

Meanwhile, 38 per cent said their doctor wasn’t able to provide guidance on available support.

CHSS surveyed nearly 2000 people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions and long Covid to understand the challenges facing people living with the conditions it supports.

Chief executive of CHSS, Jane-Claire Judson said: “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.

“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.”