Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Long Covid

Tuesday 6 October 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The government announced guidelines development by NICE, SIGN, and RCGP to support long covid patients and practitioners.
  • The Minister will read the latest edition of The Doctor, BMA magazine, with interest.
  • The Minister acknowledged ongoing efforts to gather evidence and data for better support but did not commit to making a specific case to Treasury or DWP.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
NHS
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of long-term symptoms after contracting COVID-19.

Question

What steps he is taking to support people with long covid?

Answer from Jo Churchill

The government has announced that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, and Royal College of General Practitioners will develop guidelines to support patients and practitioners in treating and recovering from long covid. Additionally, funding research into COVID-19 is ongoing, including a study involving 10,000 hospitalised patients to understand the long-term effects better.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment or action for support necessary for individuals suffering from long-term effects of covid was not provided.

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Q2 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
NHS
Context

The MP references the BMA's magazine outlining case studies of GPs suffering from long-term effects after contracting COVID-19.

Question

I thank the Minister for that helpful and comprehensive answer. If she has not already read it, may I commend to her the most recent edition of The Doctor, the British Medical Association magazine, which outlines several compelling case studies of GPs who are still suffering, some up to six months, after they first contracted covid? There is a growing body of evidence that a number of people continue to suffer with this months after it has been contracted, in a quite debilitating way. Will she build on the work that she is already doing and make the case to the Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions in particular to ensure that all those who suffer from long covid get the support that is necessary for them?

Answer from Jo Churchill

The Minister acknowledges the statement and will read the document mentioned with interest. She assures that gathering evidence and data is ongoing for best supporting individuals in recovery, but does not commit to making a specific case to Treasury or DWP for necessary support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to building on work and making a specific case to relevant departments was avoided.

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