Response to RCN Report: Nurses’ Experiences of Long Covid

The recent Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) report on the experiences of nurses with Long Covid shines a light on systemic failures that cannot be ignored. Many nurses, once hailed as heroes on the frontline, have been let down by their employers and government policy. The report shows that almost 60% of members surveyed felt their employers had failed to take adequate preventative measures during the pandemic, and more than 65% said they had not received an individual risk assessment before contracting COVID-19. These findings show a worrying disregard for the safety and wellbeing of healthcare professionals.

Further, the financial and professional impact of Long Covid is severe, with almost 70% of respondents reporting loss of earnings and many expressing despair at being pressurised to return to work. Despite their dedication, these nurses face significant barriers to accessing appropriate occupational health support and often feel abandoned in managing their condition. This is unacceptable in a profession that is already struggling with staff shortages and burnout.

We welcome the RCN’s report and its recommendations, which call for Long Covid to be recognised as an occupational disease, better support in the workplace and financial protection for affected employees. These steps are crucial to addressing the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare workers with Long Covid  and ensuring that their contribution is valued. It is imperative that the government and the NHS implement these recommendations to safeguard the wellbeing of healthcare workers and retain this vital workforce.

Report available at: https://www.rcn.org.uk/Professional-Development/publications/rcn-member-experiences-of-long-covid-uk-pub-011-838