Local Independent TD Denis Naughten has said that long Covid has the potential to place a significant burden on our healthcare services.
He said that the symptoms of long Covid can last for months or even years, and can include fatigue, shortness of breath and cognitive dysfunction, among other symptoms.
Deputy Naughten said that as a result, it can significantly impact people’s lives, affecting their ability to work, socialise, and enjoy their usual activities.
“While the long-term impact of long Covid remains unknown because of the wide range of symptoms, these conditions can place a significant burden on our healthcare services, as they can lead to people needing more care and support,” said the Roscommon-Galway TD.
“While there is still a lot that we do not know about long Covid, and there is no single treatment, but a number of things can help manage the symptoms.”
Deputy Naughten said the HSE is implementing an Interim ‘Model of Care’ for long Covid, which includes self-directed, GP and specialist care levels.
“However, the feedback I have received is that there are very mixed results from patient engagement with these clinicians,” he said.
“As a result, I’m now awaiting a response from the HSE regarding the plans to review this ‘Model of Care’ due to the recent HIQA – Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Report on long COVID.
“The HIQA Report recommends that the HSE resource multi-disciplinary long COVID services, provide additional resourcing for existing services, and ensure equitable access to services across the Country.
“But the sad reality is the HSE has yet to deliver on its commitment of September 2021 to establish and staff clinics for those suffering from long COVID conditions. We’ll wait and see!”
