Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Long Covid

Tuesday 23 February 2021 · 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government are working hard to set up patient-focused, evidence-based and effective support for people with long covid.
  • NHS England and NHS Improvement announced a five-part package of measures, including the establishment of 69 multi-disciplinary assessment services.
  • Emma Samms, an actress, is using her experience of having had covid to launch an innovative fundraising idea for long covid research.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Siobhan Baillie
NHS
Context

There is a growing need for specific measures and funding to address the challenges faced by individuals with long-term effects of COVID-19. Recent data indicates that millions are affected, requiring coordinated healthcare responses.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to support people suffering from long covid?

Answer from Jo Churchill

The Government are working hard to set up patient-focused, evidence-based and effective support for people with long covid. In October, NHS England and NHS Improvement announced a five-part package of measures, including the establishment of 69 multi-disciplinary assessment services. Last week, almost £20 million of research funding was committed to helping identify the causes of long covid and the effective therapies to treat people who suffer from some of the chronic symptoms.

Answered
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Q2 Siobhan Baillie
NHS
Context

A local constituent, Emma Samms, the actress, has organized a high-profile fundraising event to raise awareness and funds for research into long-term symptoms of COVID-19. There is also a plan to set up a dedicated clinic in Gloucestershire.

Question

My constituent Emma Samms, the actress, has pulled together a reunion of the cast of “Dynasty” to add some glamour to fundraise for research into long covid. In Gloucestershire, we are also setting up a clinic. We clearly need to learn an awful lot more about the symptoms. Will my hon. Friend join me in praising those initiatives and continue to reassure us that we will provide full support to GPs, hospitals and patients for this awful disease?

Answer from Jo Churchill

I thank my hon. Friend for her question. I am delighted to join her in congratulating Emma, who I know is using her experience of having had covid to launch such an innovative fundraising idea. I already have a Dallas-style hairdo, because I have not been to the hairdressers for some months. I just need some shoulder pads. I thank her and all volunteers and fundraisers for their marvellous job in coming up with some really great ideas to support research.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed; the answerer did not commit to full government support for GPs, hospitals, and patients.

How: I Already Have A Dallas-Style Hairdo, Because I Have Not Been To The Hairdressers For Some Months. I Just Need Some Shoulder Pads.

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