In the letter to John Swinney MSP, RCN Scotland Director Colin Poolman set out our arguments for why long COVID should be included in the Scottish COVID Inquiry and has requested that the terms of reference be amended to include the consideration of Long COVID.
As a core participant to the Inquiry, RCN Scotland has already presented evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on members and the nursing profession. We are concerned that growing numbers of registered nurses and nursing support workers are suffering from Long COVID and that this consequence of the pandemic needs to be considered as part of the process of learning lessons and preparing for future pandemics.
During the impact hearings the Inquiry heard that significant numbers of nursing staff suffered from COVID-19 which was often contracted at work and on more than one occasion. As a result, a growing number are suffering from and living with Long COVID. Not having Long COVID explicitly included in the terms of reference limits the extent to which the Inquiry can properly and fully consider the impact of this debilitating illness.
Recognising that any amendment to the Inquiry’s terms of reference must be in the public interest, we have argued that, with an estimated 187,000 people in Scotland having self-reported Long COVID (3.5% of the population), the illness is a significant public health concern that meets the public interest test.
We have also requested that the end date of 31 December 2022 be removed in respect of Long COVID evidence to allow for emerging evidence on the causes and consequences of Long COVID to be considered.
Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Director, said: “We know many nursing staff are currently living with the effects of Long COVID. They continue to suffer physical and emotional pain, which is impacting on all aspects of their daily lives.
“For many, working on the frontline of the pandemic to care for others has resulted in them sacrificing their own health. Their lives have been forever changed and they are grappling not only with the physical impact of this illness but also the long-term financial insecurity that comes with not being able to work.
“Many nursing staff were likely infected while working due to the lack of adequate protection and the failure and delay in recognising how the virus was spread.
“Our members want the Inquiry to be able to hear about the long-term impact this illness is having and to ensure that lessons are learned. We’re calling on the First Minister to extend the scope of the Scottish COVID Inquiry and revise the Terms of Reference to ensure the full picture can be considered.”
