Cole-Hamilton: Long Covid still harming lives five years since pandemic

Speaking five years on since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton today (Sunday 9th March) commemorated those who lost their lives, paid tribute to NHS staff and communities and called on the Scottish Government to fulfil a funding commitment for Long Covid sufferers.

Five years on from the pandemic, thousands of Scots are still suffering from Long Covid. More than 80% of them say that the condition has adversely affected their ability to undertake day-to-day activities.

A 2024 Cambridge Econometrics report, The Economic Impact of Long Covid in the UK, estimated that Long Covid, ‘may have macroeconomic costs of some £1.5bn of GDP each year’. The report also indicates that, ‘lower employment of around 138,000 by 2030 follows as a consequence’.

Adjusted for Scotland’s share of the UK population, this suggested a yearly economic impact of £120m and 11,000 jobs by 2030.

In recent budget negotiations, Scottish Liberal Democrats secured millions more in funding for dedicated support for Long Covid sufferers.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

“Today, my thoughts are with the victims of the pandemic, with their families and loved ones. It was a devastating moment in our country’s history: it marked a time of loss and sacrifice in communities throughout Scotland.

“In the years since, we have seen the concerning emergence of conditions like Long Covid. This illness may be the biggest mass-disabling event since World War I, but Scotland is miles behind the rest of the UK in terms of the care pathways offered to sufferers.

“That’s why it was right that the Scottish Government listened to Liberal Democrat demands for brand new services and announced funding for specialist nursing and clinic support in the budget. These will support those with Long Covid, alongside those with ME, Chronic Fatigue and other similar conditions.

"That's not just the right thing to do for individuals struggling with debilitating conditions, it’s good for our economy too.

“Liberal Democrats will be eagle-eyed to ensure that this money finally makes its way to helping those suffering all across Scotland."