Long Covid causing 'debilitating impact' on doctors
A "significant" number of doctors are still suffering with the "debilitating effects" of Long Covid, according to a new report.
Many are left in financial limbo as they have been forced to quit work or reduce their hours, the British Medical Association (BMA) report warns.
Some 600 doctors with long COVID were quizzed about the impact on their day-to-day lives.
One in five told the BMA and the Long COVID Doctors for Action group they had been forced to stop work or significantly cut back on their hours.
Carrying out essential daily activities such as getting dressed, household activities, and childcare have become difficult or not possible for 60% of the medics who took part in the survey.
Nearly half (49%) said they have experienced loss of earnings as a result of Long Covid symptoms of which include: fatigue, headaches, muscular pain, nerve damage, joint pain, ongoing respiratory problems.
The BMA has made a series of calls to support doctors with Long Covid, including:
- Financial support for doctors and other health workers with Long Covid.
- Long Covid to be recognised as an "occupational disease".
- Better access to physical and mental health services for those affected after the report said that access to NHS long COVID clinics is "patchy".
- Greater "workplace protection" for staff.
- More support to help healthcare workers return to work "safely".
Source: Medscape, 3 July 2023