We should not have to self advocate for clean air and care.

Ensuring the Right to Safe Healthcare for Long Covid Patients: Long Covid SOS

In the fourth instalment of our series of blog posts unpacking each principle within the Long Covid SOS Bill of Rights, we explore the crucial aspect of the 'right to safe healthcare'. This basic right is paramount for people living with Long Covid, ensuring they receive the necessary safe support and treatment to navigate the challenges posed by this debilitating condition. Integral to this right is the prioritisation of accessible Covid 19 boosters and clean air in all settings to reduce Covid 19 transmission and its long term effects.

Long Covid, characterised by persistent symptoms lasting weeks, months, or even many years after the acute phase of Covid 19 infection, presents a unique set of challenges for healthcare providers. As the understanding of Long Covid continues to evolve, it is essential that healthcare systems adapt to meet the diverse needs of all affected people. A critical aspect of this adaptation involves recognising that Covid 19 is airborne and therefore working with healthcare, schools, workplaces, and community organisations to help them prioritise clean air. This approach would significantly reduce levels of Covid 19 and Long Covid in the UK, ensuring safer environments for everyone.

At the heart of safe healthcare is the principle of accessibility. Long Covid patients must have equitable access to healthcare services designed to address their specific, often multifaceted needs. This encompasses not only medical treatment but also multidisciplinary support, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and mental health services. Ensuring clean air in these healthcare environments is an essential part of this accessibility, reducing the risk of further infection and promoting a healthier recovery space.

Ensuring safe healthcare for Long Covid patients involves understanding and addressing the complexity of their symptoms. Many people experience a myriad of physical and psychological challenges, ranging from fatigue and respiratory issues to cognitive impairments, histamine intolerance, and mental health concerns. Healthcare providers must possess the knowledge and expertise to comprehensively assess and manage these symptoms, promoting holistic wellbeing. Ensuring good air quality in healthcare settings is crucial for mitigating the airborne transmission of Covid 19, thereby protecting both patients and staff.

The right to safe healthcare necessitates a patient centred approach to care. Long Covid patients should be actively involved in decision making regarding their care, with healthcare professionals valuing their experiences and preferences. Effective communication and shared decision making develop trust and enable patients to actively participate in their treatment journey. This participatory approach is further supported by environments that prioritise and promote clean air, as they enhance the overall safety and comfort of the care setting.

Central to safe healthcare for Long Covid patients is the provision of accurate information and education alongside person centred research. Healthcare providers must equip patients with a comprehensive understanding of their condition, including potential symptoms, management strategies, and available support services. Empowering patients with knowledge enables them to make informed decisions and actively engage in self management practices. Encouraging patients to get their Covid booster if eligible and openly discussing the airborne nature of Covid 19 and the importance of air quality control measures is a vital part of this education.

Equally important is the recognition of the intersectionality of Long Covid. People from marginalised communities may face additional barriers in accessing safe healthcare, including systemic inequalities and discrimination. Healthcare systems must prioritise equity and actively work to dismantle barriers to care, ensuring that all Long Covid patients receive equitable and culturally competent support. If people from marginalised communities are not seeking support, healthcare practitioners must have the skills and resources to go out into the community and be where the patients are. Furthermore, advocating for improved air quality in all communal settings can help protect these vulnerable populations from the airborne transmission of Covid 19.

In addition to individualised care, the right to safe healthcare encompasses the importance of research and innovation. Long Covid remains a relatively new phenomenon, and there is much to learn about its underlying mechanisms and management strategies. Investment in research is essential to advancing our understanding of Long Covid and developing evidence based interventions to improve patient outcomes.

The 'right to safe healthcare' extends beyond the clinical setting to encompass supportive environments in the community. Long Covid patients require comprehensive support networks, including access to peer support groups, community resources, and workplace accommodations. Creating inclusive and supportive environments, with a focus on clean air, creates resilience and the integration of people living with Long Covid. By ensuring that community spaces are safe from airborne transmission, we can significantly reduce the overall burden of Long Covid.

The 'right to safe healthcare' is a fundamental principle within the Long Covid SOS Bill of Rights, ensuring that everyone living with Long Covid receives equitable, patient centred, and comprehensive support. By prioritising accessibility, patient empowerment, equity, evidence-based research, clean air and community integration, we can collectively work towards improving the health and wellbeing of Long Covid patients. All of these elements are vital for preventing further spread and enabling safer recovery environments.

Long Covid SOS remains committed to advocating for the rights of people living with Long Covid and driving positive change within healthcare systems worldwide. Together, we can ensure that every Long Covid patient receives the safe and compassionate care they deserve, while also recognising the importance of air quality in mitigating the ongoing impact of this airborne virus.