Long Covid: Healthcare Worker Faces Support Cut

Five years after contracting Covid, medical scientist Rebecca Broni continues to live with its lasting effects and now faces a reduction in financial support.

“My main problem is really, really intense, crippling fatigue,” she said.

She describes it as a unique and debilitating exhaustion. “Everyone’s been tired. I’ve been tired before, but it’s different. It’s a whole-body situation. Your body isn’t functioning, basically.You can’t think straight – even making scrambled eggs feels like a monumental task. It’s a very, very sluggish thought process, so fatigue is really the main problem,” she explained.

“I am quite sick at the minute, so ther are days now I might sleep until four or five o’clock in the day. Maybe, if I’m having a really good day, I might get out for a walk for a half hour or so at a snail’s pace… but those days are quite few and far between at the minute.”

Ms. Broni contracted Covid while working in a Dublin hospital. She has attempted to return to work on several occasions but has been unable to sustain it.

“I’ve been out of work consistently for the last two years, and it’s been really hard. My life has been turned upside down. I really miss work.I love what I do. I’m a medical scientist. I work with a great bunch of people. I miss being in there, just working away, you know, living my life, working away, meeting friends, just getting on with life as most people do. It’s really turned my life upside down,” she said.

For the past few years,Ms. Broni has received full pay thanks to a Government scheme introduced in July 2022. This targeted scheme provides support to specific healthcare workers living with Long Covid.

Though, following a Labour Court proposal in june 2025, the scheme will formally conclude on December 31, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Long Covid? Long Covid refers to the ongoing health problems people experience after being infected with the virus that causes Covid-19. Symptoms can vary widely and last for months or even years.

Who is eligible for the targeted scheme? The scheme specifically supports healthcare workers who contracted Covid-19 and continue to experience debilitating symptoms.

What happens after December 31, 2025? Healthcare workers currently receiving support through the scheme will no longer be eligible for the full pay continuation after this date.

Key Takeaways

• Rebecca Broni,a medical scientist,is still experiencing severe fatigue five years after contracting covid-19.
• The Government’s targeted support scheme for healthcare workers with Long Covid is ending on December 31, 2025.
• ms.Broni’s life has been considerably impacted by Long Covid, preventing her from returning to work.
• Long Covid symptoms can be debilitating and affect various aspects of daily life, including cognitive function and physical activity.