SHH-UK Calls for Action to Support AHPs with Long Covid

SHH-UK Calls for Action to Support Allied Health Professionals with Long Covid

In August 2026, Supporting Healthcare Heroes UK (SHH-UK) wrote to the Chief Allied Health Professions Officers across the four UK nations, calling for urgent action following publication of the final REACH-OUT report, Caring for the healthcare workforce post-COVID-19.

The report highlights the substantial impact of Long Covid on healthcare workers. UK research found that approximately one in four healthcare workers infected with Covid-19 reported Long Covid, with Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) among those most likely to be affected.

The findings also highlight inconsistent workplace support, difficulties accessing appropriate adjustments, and the impact of Long Covid on sickness absence and productivity.

SHH-UK has requested a meeting with the four UK Allied Health Professions Officers to discuss how the report’s recommendations will be implemented. We are calling for consistent workplace support, flexible return-to-work arrangements, improved access to Long Covid services and stronger infection prevention measures to protect healthcare workers from further infections.

A copy of the email we sent the Chief Allied Health Professions Officers can be seen below.