Buckinghamshire, August 28, 2026
New research highlighting the prevalence of Long Covid among UK healthcare workers is raising renewed concerns about the protection of the NHS workforce from Covid-19 infection.
A report from the NHS Race and Health Observatory states that 25% of UK healthcare workers have Long Covid, with nurses and allied health professionals reported to be twice as likely to develop the condition as medical staff.
The findings come amid rising long-term sickness absence among NHS nurses, increasing numbers of NHS staff applying for early retirement, and evidence from the UK Covid-19 Inquiry documenting failures in the protection of healthcare workers during the pandemic.
Supporting Healthcare Heroes UK (SHH-UK) says the findings should prompt greater attention to the prevention of avoidable infection and the long-term consequences of Long Covid among healthcare workers.
Alison Twycross, Chair at SHH-UK, said:
“The evidence demonstrates the importance of taking Long Covid seriously as a workforce issue. A quarter of UK healthcare workers being reported to have Long Covid should be a significant concern for anyone responsible for NHS workforce planning, staff retention and occupational safety. The research should strengthen the case for effective infection prevention measures that are based on the available evidence.”
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry has also examined the protection of healthcare workers during the pandemic. Module 3 identified serious problems relating to infection prevention and control, while Module 4 provided further evidence about healthcare workers’ experiences.
Against this background, SHH-UK is concerned about recent changes to Covid-19 protection within NHS infection prevention guidance in Scotland and Wales, where surgical masks are recommended for staff protection in relevant circumstances.
Surgical masks and respirators provide different forms of protection. Surgical masks are loose fitting, whereas respirators are designed to filter inhaled airborne particles and, when properly fitted, form a seal around the face.
Research has found evidence supporting the use of respirators for greater protection against respiratory infection in healthcare settings. A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis involving 9,164 participants found that N95 respirator use was associated with fewer viral infections among healthcare workers than surgical masks, including differences for SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of six randomised controlled trials also reported a protective effect from N95 respirators against Covid-19, particularly among medical staff, while noting the limited number of studies available.
A major 2025 state-of-the-art review published in The BMJ concluded that the available evidence suggests respirators are more effective than masks in healthcare, particularly when worn continuously rather than only during selected procedures. The review also highlighted the potential for healthcare environments to amplify outbreaks and noted that exposure is not limited to so-called aerosol-generating procedures.
SHH-UK has raised concerns about healthcare worker protection with NHS leaders since 2022 and has subsequently engaged with the four UK Chief Nursing Officers. The charity says the continuing evidence on Long Covid, airborne transmission and respiratory protection makes further consideration of healthcare worker safety necessary.
The organisation is calling for policymakers and healthcare leaders to give greater weight to the growing evidence on Long Covid and to ensure that infection prevention policies are based on the best available evidence.
Alison Twycross added:
“Long Covid has significant implications for individual healthcare workers and for the NHS workforce as a whole. Research showing a substantial burden of Long Covid among healthcare workers should be considered alongside evidence on sickness absence, early retirement and the protection of staff from infection. Evidence-based prevention should remain an important part of protecting the workforce.”
Supporting Healthcare Heroes UK is a charity campaigning for greater recognition of Long Covid and for stronger, evidence-based approaches to protecting people from Covid-19 and its long-term consequences. The organisation advocates for healthcare policies that recognise the risks associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and the impact of Long Covid on individuals, healthcare workers and the wider NHS workforce.
SHH-UK also provides free, confidential online peer-support groups for healthcare workers living with Long Covid. The groups provide a safe and supportive space for healthcare workers to share experiences, exchange practical advice and connect with others who understand the challenges of living and working with Long Covid. Support is available to healthcare workers across sectors, whether they are currently working, unable to work or considering a return to work.
Media contact: Dr Alison Twycross, info@shh-uk.org
A large US study of almost 2,000 children and adolescents found that those meeting the research threshold for probable Long COVID were more likely to experience difficulties with grades, attention and participation with friends.
Press release: One in four UK healthcare workers has Long Covid, yet Covid protections are being downgraded. SHH-UK calls for evidence-based prevention.
As Long Covid affects one in four UK healthcare workers, Covid protections are being downgraded. The evidence is clear. Why are we failing to act?
