HCSA has today given formal backing to new advocacy group Long Covid Doctors for Action (LCD4A).
The doctor-led group is focused on advocating for those affected by long-term illness due to SARS-CoV-2 to stay in employment and be fully supported to return to work. It is also campaigning for adequate workplace protections for all healthcare workers.
An estimated 199,000 NHS workers are estimated to be living with Long Covid or other chronic post-Covid health issues, with the prevalence much higher in health and social care staff than the general population.
HCSA is supporting LCD4A’s calls to:
- protect the income and provide support to remain in employment for doctors with Long Covid
- establish a national compensation scheme for those affected, especially for those who have lost their income and employment
- promote information on the rights of affected doctors
- ensure adequate PPE is available for all healthcare workers.
HCSA President Dr Naru Narayanan said: “Throughout the pandemic many doctors have been seriously affected by occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 while providing vital healthcare to patients with Covid-19.
“HCSA continues to support its own members who have been affected by the Long Covid to secure positive outcomes.
“However, it is also necessary to campaign for fair treatment all doctors suffering the after effects of Covid-19. We cannot simply forget the contribution that has been made during the pandemic, not least because a key reason for the high levels of Long Covid among healthcare workers is the failure to provide adequate PPE and infection controls.
“It is an outrage that individuals are finding their incomes and careers ended now that the powers that be deem things to have ‘moved on’. Thousands of doctors are still living with the day-to-day results of pandemic, and the withdrawal of NHS Covid Special Leave has piled further uncertainty on those affected by Long Covid.
“We are committed to supporting LCD4A, which is campaigning actively to ensure these victims of the pandemic are not forgotten.”
HCSA members can find more information about Long Covid Doctors For Action via their website, where you can also sign up to their newsletter and find out how to get involved.