Healthcare workers with long Covid seek government support

Healthcare workers with long Covid are calling for more support from the government. They feel abandoned after being praised as heroes during the pandemic. Many say they developed long-term health issues due to Covid while working in hospitals. Nurse Rachel Hext, 37, caught Covid while working in a community hospital. She believes the government has forgotten those affected by the virus. Her symptoms include brain fog and extreme fatigue. She is part of a group seeking compensation from the NHS, arguing they were not properly protected. Dr. Rachel Ali, 46, tested positive on Boxing Day 2021 and suffered from serious health problems, including chest pain and cognitive issues. After 15 months of illness, she lost her job. She wants the government to recognize Covid as an occupational illness for healthcare workers. Another GP, Ellie Mountstephens, contracted Covid in March 2020. She struggled with memory issues and did not feel safe returning to work. Mountstephens is also advocating for more research on long Covid. In Cornwall, a local medical committee noted that some healthcare workers have significant career challenges due to long Covid. They suggest that more people may have been affected than initially thought. A government spokesperson acknowledged the serious impact of long Covid. They stated that the NHS is providing various support services and is funding research to find effective treatments. The spokesperson emphasized the importance of helping affected workers stay in or return to their jobs.