A Long Covid campaigner from Weymouth has said there is a risk of a 'healthcare vacuum' as specialist clinics are set to be closed.

Sammie McFarland, founder of the charity Long Covid Kids has been speaking as module three of the Covid Inquiry gets underway today, Monday. 

This next stage focuses on healthcare systems - and the Long Covid Groups are 'shocked and deeply concerned' to learn that Long Covid clinics around the UK are being closed at a time when reported cases are continuing to rise.

READ: Weymouth woman tells how her battle with Long Covid goes on

Without a concerted effort to address this issue, the closures will only add to the significant burdens already being faced by healthcare systems and economies, the charity believes.

Recent data from the US has suggested that Long Covid may affect up to 7 per cent of the population and prevalence could rise further.

The latest ONS updates have shown that incidence of long-term sickness is at record levels and has been on an upward trajectory since early 2020.

Staff shortages and high levels of school absenteeism are frequently reported across the UK.

READ: Weymouth woman's fight against long Covid amid inquiry

The annual productivity loss in the UK resulting from Long Covid is currently estimated to be £1.5 billion. 

At the start of the year, there were close to 100 Long Covid clinics for adults and 13 hubs for children and young people (CYP) in England.

Earlier this year however, the highly regarded NHS England national programme was stood down with responsibility for Long Covid services being delegated to each of the Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).

In recent months, patients and staff have reported the closure and a severe scaling back of clinics.

READ: Weymouth mother develops resource for kids with long Covid

Mrs McFarland said: "Appropriate funding and resources would provide clinicians with the best possible opportunity to improve patients' lives, but this hasn't been forthcoming.

"Rising school absenteeism and Long Covid in children are red flags demanding immediate action.

"Closing specialised clinics risks creating a healthcare vacuum with far-reaching consequences for healthcare, education, families, and the future workforce."

Some CYP hubs are being forced to take on patients from those that have already closed with no extra funding.

The Long Covid Groups are now urging all governments and healthcare providers to adopt a service model that prioritises dedicated clinics supported by experienced clinician-led, multidisciplinary teams.

READ: Weymouth campaigner welcomes charity's inclusion in Covid Inquiry

Given the complexity and multi-faceted nature of the condition, the Long Covid Groups stress that 'specialists from each of the relevant disciplines should work collaboratively'.

In partnership with patients, they are calling for a healthcare framework that is dedicated to successfully diagnosing, treating and preventing Long Covid which it says 'will contribute towards relieving the operational and financial pressures on the NHS'.

The news follows the charity's successful appeal to be a core participant in module 8 which focuses on the impact of the pandemic on children and young people.