Extension of long-Covid scheme for healthcare workers

Trade unions have welcomed the announcement by the Department of Health that the special scheme of paid leave, for workers suffering from long-Covid, has been temporarily extended for three months.

Fórsa, which represents more than 30,000 healthcare workers nationwide, said the extension would provide space for conciliation talks, due to take place at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) tomorrow.

“Long-Covid continues to be a serious health problem for hundreds of healthcare staff. It is a condition without precedent and creates a challenge both for those workers affected and the health services more generally,” said Fórsa’s National Secretary for Health and Welfare, Ashley Connolly.

“It is essential that we can develop an agreed and permanent solution for those affected,” Ms Connolly said.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) also welcomed the temporary re-instatement of the scheme.

“We very much welcome the extension of this scheme to a group of predominately women who are still suffering from a myriad of symptoms associated with long-Covid,” an INMO spokesperson said.

“We hope this is an indication of the future approach that will be taken by the Department of Health and the HSE at the Workplace Relations Commission,” the INMO said.