Long Covid Advocacy Ireland (LCAI) and Long Covid Kids (LCK) called on the Government to urgently develop a response plan for a healthcare crisis affecting 350,000 people in Ireland: Long-COVID. Highlighting the severe healthcare crisis prompted by Long COVID, both organisations spoke at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health on Wednesday, April 17.
Long COVID represents a monumental healthcare crisis, with estimates suggesting that 350,000 individuals in Ireland alone are affected. Despite the extensive impact, patients in Ireland, both young and old, face disbelief, neglect, and inadequate care, perpetuating unnecessary suffering. The challenge of managing this tsunami of chronic illness is immense and requires urgent and sustained attention.
Sarah O'Connell, co-founder of Long Covid Advocacy Ireland and representative for Long Covid Kids, addressed the committee hearing to highlight the urgent challenges faced by Long COVID patients. Drawing from her own experiences as a patient and a parent, she highlighted the necessity for systemic healthcare changes.
Please read the statements which will give you an overview of everything plus a section on children and an anonymous case study of a young person:
"As co founder of LCAI (Long Covid Advocacy Ireland) and the representative for Republic of Ireland for Long Covid Kids charity, I felt privileged to get this opportunity to speak to the Joint Commitee for Health in the Dail on the 17th of April 2024. Fortunately the topic of long covid in children was brought up repeatedly and we got a chance to communicate many of the issues parents are facing. One of our main asks is the urgent establishment of services for children with suspected Long Covid. Some of the replies from the HSE to the TD's questions were disappointing and we will continue work with the HSE and the government regarding our concerns."
Sarah O'Connell - Long Covid Kids rep for Ireland.
Press release can be seen here:
