‘People are screaming out for help’ as long Covid cases rise

Between 10% and 20% of Covid patients struggle for months after diagnosis but there is no central hub for medical support and campaigners are warning that delays in accessing care are causing even more problems

Miriam Cullen was diagnosed with Covid-19 in March 2020 and is still receiving treatment at St James’s Hospital in Dublin. She is campaigning for better funding for long Covid clinics especially for occupational therapy. Picture: Moya Nolan

Access to long Covid supports for adults is growing but advocates are calling for this to be done more quickly and equitably around the country especially outside the major cities.

A common obstacle facing patients is where to get help as there is no central hub for long Covid supports, so although help is more widely available now, patients’ lived experience is often frustration.