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25 Sept 2025
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25 Sept 2025
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Scottish Government funding of £4.5 million will allow new support services for those suffering from long Covid to be established “on a sustainable basis”, Health Secretary Neil Gray said.
He was speaking as the Government committed to make money for the specialist service available on a recurring basis.
As well as helping those suffering long-term effects from Covid-19, those with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) could also be referred for help.
Such clinics could give patients help with managing fatigue and breathlessness, with physiotherapy and rehabilitation also potentially offered.
Mr Gray announced the funding as he visited the Astley Ainslie Hospital in Edinburgh, which runs a long Covid service.
The Health Secretary said: “I recognise the significant impact which the symptoms of long Covid and ME/CFS can have on those most severely affected.
“I want to ensure these patients are listened to and receive appropriate assessments and referrals.
“Being able to meet professionals involved in Astley Ainslie Hospital’s existing long Covid service, I am heartened to hear first-hand how our funding so far has allowed people living with the condition to be given advice and support to improve their quality of life.
“Recurring funding will enable health boards to develop new support on a sustainable basis and help the retention and recruitment of the skilled members of staff required for the delivery of these services.”
For years we have campaigned to give the tens of thousands of Scots with Long Covid access to the care they need.
Now we have secured £4.5m for specialist support.
This is what you get with the Scottish Liberal Democrats: a party committed to delivering first-rate health care. pic.twitter.com/0kV6cn3nY9
— Scottish Lib Dems (@scotlibdems) September 25, 2025
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said the cash had been secured as a part of a deal which saw his party back this year’s Scottish Budget.
Mr Cole-Hamilton said although “Scotland is miles behind the rest of the UK” on long Covid care, he is now “hopeful that we can begin to turn the corner”.
He added: “Crucially, this is recurring funding so health boards can plan and invest for the future.
“Helping people struggling with debilitating conditions get on in life is not just good for them, it’s good for our economy too.
“This is what you get with the Scottish Liberal Democrats: a party committed to delivering first-rate health care so you can see your GP or a professional when you need them.”
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