Funding for long Covid sufferers in Scotland 'will not be enough'

It is “scandalous” that funding for long Covid sufferers in Scotland has failed to match the level of support for those in the rest of the UK, it has been claimed.

Scottish Labour’s health spokesperson Jackie Baillie made the remark as she accused the Scottish Government of a “betrayal” of those who are living with the condition.

NHS England is set to deliver funding of £90m for 2022/2023.

However, Baillie criticised ministers at Holyrood over their promise of a £10m Covid support funding spread over the next three years.

The Scottish Government has said the fund will be targeted at the areas where additional support can “make the biggest difference”.

Baillie called for further funding to be made available.

“We know that thousands of Scots are living with long Covid and we have heard heart-breaking testimony from young people who have had their lives torn apart by this condition,” she said.

“GPs are just operating a revolving door where they try and refer people on but it ends up that they’re back at square one.

“Health boards were told to apply for funding but many have got a fraction of the funding that they need.

“It is simply scandalous that this SNP Government has failed to match the level of support for long Covid sufferers in the rest of the UK.”

A spokesperson from Long Covid Scotland said it is “clear” the current level of funding will not be enough.

“Long Covid Scotland fully supports Scottish health boards in developing and delivering a clear clinical pathway for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with long Covid,” they said.

“However, it is clear that the current level of identified Scottish Government funding will not be enough.”

A Scottish Government spokesman responded: “We have established a long Covid Strategic network bringing together clinical experts, NHS Boards, third sector organisations and those with lived experience to guide how we plan and design care and ensure our £10m long Covid Support Fund is targeted at the areas where additional support can make the biggest difference.

“We recognise the impact that long Covid can have on peoples’ health and wellbeing.

“Given the range of symptoms which can be involved, we know there’s no one-size fits all response and our approach is to support people with long Covid to access care and support in a setting that is appropriate and as close to their home as practicable.”