Lib Dems call on Govt to tackle ‘Long Covid’

Liberal Democrat proposals which, if taken up, would see the Government get a grip on the coronavirus crisis have been passed at the Party’s Autumn conference.

In particular, the motion urged the Government to not only recognise and commission research into ‘Long Covid’, but also develop a rehabilitation strategy for investing in and increasing services to help people recover from the virus.

Following the passing of the motion, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Munira Wilson said: “As we enter into a second wave, it’s essential that the Government learns the necessary lessons from the first wave of the pandemic and steps up support for all those who need it. In particular, it is crucial the Government puts in place a rehabilitation strategy for all those who have fallen seriously ill from the virus.

Munira Wilson

“Ministers cannot pretend that everyone bounces back after 14 days – there will be thousands of people recovering from coronavirus who will need further support after being discharged from hospital for example.

“This not only means the Government needs to commission research into ‘Long Covid’ so that we can understand more about the long term impact of the virus, but people also desperately need personalised rehabilitation with additional support from community services, and the Government must work with the NHS and royal colleges to make sure that happens.

“The NHS is about to be put under a huge amount of pressure once again as we head into this second wave and it’s vital this Government scales up provision so that whether its coronavirus or not, people get the care they need.”

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