Over‑Exposed & Under‑Protected: Long COVID’s Impact on Doctors

🩺 Long Covid and Doctors: A Hidden Workforce Crisis

Published by: British Medical Association (BMA)
Focus: The devastating impact of post-acute COVID (Long COVID) on doctors in the UK

🔍 Key Findings

• Widespread impact: A UK-wide BMA survey of over 600 doctors revealed severe health, financial and professional consequences from Long COVID—mostly caused by workplace exposure.
• Daily life affected: 60% reported difficulty with essential daily activities; many became reliant on family for support.
• Workforce loss: Nearly 1 in 5 doctors could no longer work. Among those still working, many reduced hours or changed roles. Career progression was stalled for trainees.
• Financial hardship: 49% reported reduced or no income. Doctors depleted savings, accrued debt, and faced reduced pensions—especially after the end of COVID special leave schemes.

⚠️ Systemic Failures

• Inadequate protection: The majority contracted COVID-19 in the first wave. Many lacked PPE and risk assessments; only 16% had access to FFP3 masks.
• Underreporting: Only 3% were aware of their workplace COVID-19 case being reported under RIDDOR.
• Service gaps: Long Covid clinics were criticised for inconsistent access and long waits. 66% of referred doctors said their symptoms were not fully investigated.

🧠 Common Symptoms

The top reported symptoms included:

1. Post-exertional malaise (84%)
2. Central nervous system dysfunction (75%)
3. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction (57%)

These go beyond the limited list currently recognised for occupational disease classification.

📣 Key Recommendations

1. Recognise Long Covid as an occupational disease—beyond the 5 conditions currently acknowledged.
2. Provide urgent financial support for doctors and healthcare workers affected.
3. Improve access to multidisciplinary care, including mental health support.
4. Ensure safe return-to-work pathways through occupational health services and reasonable adjustments.
5. Upgrade workplace protections—including ventilation, PPE, and infection control guidance.

🔄 Ongoing Risk

The BMA emphasises that COVID-19 remains a risk for healthcare workers, and failure to act could deepen NHS staffing shortages and compromise patient safety.

Conclusion:
Long Covid has left many doctors debilitated, under-supported, and at financial risk. These impacts must be urgently addressed by recognising the condition as an occupational disease and implementing meaningful protections and support systems.

🔗 Source: BMA, July 2023.
Full report available by clicking here.