Calls to protect 'important' long Covid service

Lucy Hendy was diagnosed with ME after first having long Covid

There have been calls to protect the future operation of the Isle of Man's long Covid and chronic fatigue service, following the health department's mandate to Manx Care.

The document recommends the health body continues without a "dedicated service", with patients "to be cared for in the ways Manx Care considers to be most effective".

While the instruction appears in the mandate, it is not addressed in Manx Care's operating plan, both of which are due to be debated in Tynwald this month.

Lucy Hendy, who has chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), called the service "hugely helpful".

The Department of Health and Social Care said: "It has not been specified as its own commissioned service in the 2025-26 mandate as patients are being assessed and treated in line with clinical guidelines for the varying issues that they experience due to long Covid.

It added: "Manx Care needs flexibility to provide patient care in the clinics that best meet their individual needs."

The service was set up two years ago after years of campaigning from ME sufferers, before it was accelerated as a result of the Covid pandemic.

Lucy Hendy, from Ramsey, was originally diagnosed with Long Covid before later developing ME.

She has been using the service and has been part of a group therapy programme since January.

"You can get a lot out of meeting other people who are in a similar situation and going through the same thing, sharing experiences and things that we've found helpful," she explained.

'Nothing is changing'

Ms Hendy, who suffers with symptoms every day, including fatigue, throat and gland pain, brain fog and dizziness, said she had learned more about "living with the condition" through the service.

If it was no longer available, patients would "be at risk of feeling a lot more isolated", she added.

She said: "I think it's really important that it's a dedicated service."

"When people are living with fatigue on a day to day basis and brain fog and things like that, having to advocate for yourself and try and find the right service pathway is even harder," she added.

Since it began in 2023, the service has had more than 300 referrals and there is currently a seven-month waiting list to access it.

As well as group therapy, the service also offers one-to-one support and virtual sessions for people not able to leave the house easily.

Despite the mandate, Manx Care has reassured patients the service would remain.

Long-term conditions therapy team lead Graihagh Betteridge said: "As far as we're concerned nothing is changing".

This was echoed by head of therapies Kelly Gulland, who said: "As long as the service is needed, which it's going to be, it will not be changing."