Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 May 2022
339. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he will continue and increase funding for services urgently needed to support people with long-Covid who are extremely ill with severe symptoms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23998/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCOVID-19 is a new disease so information on it, its features, incidence and its course are still emerging. The natural history, clinical course and consequences of COVID19 are still not completely understood. It is recognised that most patients with COVID-19 return to baseline after acute infection with SARS-CoV-2, but a proportion report ongoing health issues.
The number of people that are affected with longer term sequelae after acute COVID-19 remains unknown, but published reports indicate that approximately 10– 20% of COVID-19 patients experience lingering symptoms for weeks to months following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection may be followed up by their GP or in hospital settings as clinically appropriate. Those who are concerned about Long COVID, should engage with their GP in the first instance for advice and referral, if needed.
The HSE has developed an interim Model of Care for Long COVID which aims to build on existing service provision, in addition to establishing new services across a number of health care settings including GP, community services and acute hospitals. There will be a phased implementation with a focus on establishing, Post-Acute and Long COVID clinics nationally as initial priority. This will involve expanding the resources at existing clinics where required and development of new clinics in line with the Model of Care.
The HSE has advised that funding of €2.2 million has been allocated within the HSE for Long COVID service development in 2022.
