I thank the Deputy for raising this really important question. As he will be aware, the HSE interim model of care for long Covid is being implemented, building on existing service provision, in addition to the establishment of new services across GP and community services and acute hospitals to ensure a national service is in place for all who need it. In 2023, €6.6 million was allocated for the continued development of these services.
Long Covid clinics are currently operational in Cork University Hospital, University Hospital Galway, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Beaumont Hospital, the Mater University Hospital, Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, Tallaght University Hospital, St. James’s Hospital and Limerick University Hospital. We have a concentration of four in the Dublin area, along with Cork, Limerick and Galway. Clinics operating under the model of care are supported by interdisciplinary teams with a range of expertise. The teams include clinicians in the areas of infectious disease, respiratory medicine, psychiatry, cardiology and neurology. Allied health professionals, including occupational therapists, physiotherapists and clinical psychologists, also form part of these interdisciplinary teams. The HSE continues to develop the service and is actively recruiting clinicians into these teams.
In addition, there has been work to further inform the continued development of post-acute and long Covid services. I have raised this situation. I know the next question the Deputy is going to ask me. It will relate to specific areas of the country, for example, the south east and the north west. The HSE has launched a follow-up after disease acquisition, FADA, survey to help to increase its understanding of how people are recovering from prolonged symptoms of Covid-19. Preliminary results of the survey are expected to be available late in the fourth quarter of 2023.