Scot Gov 'failure' slammed as Covid charities quit group
In a joint statement, the charities said: 'What was framed as a hopeful investment in December 2024 now stands as a symbol of stalled progress and unmet promises in August 2025.
'Meanwhile, services are being decommissioned, waiting lists stretch six months beyond service termination, and multiple Boards have warned of imminent closure — with still no provision at all for children and young people in most areas.'
According to the most recent Scottish Health Survey, 8% of adults and 2% of children have self-reported symptoms of Long Covid - defined as symptoms which persist at least four weeks beyond the onset of infection.
It is estimated that as many as 187,000 Scots may have symptoms of the disease.
Read more:
Forth Road Bridge closed in both directions, police say
Still Game star to headline Wigtown Book Festival next month
Scottish activists in free speech row after Palestine Action proscription
The statement added: 'Faith has been lost. Too many times we have listened to assurances within the network followed by inaction.
'Scots with Long Covid have been repeatedly let down, while well-documented issues persist, remain unaddressed, and worsen. This failure violates Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
'Ignoring the needs of those disabled by Long Covid contradicts the core principles it claims to uphold. And also undermines the Scottish Government's own Disability Equality Plan, which commits to co-production, accountability, and equitable access to care. The promise of a 'Once for Scotland' approach has collapsed.
'Expertise has been lost, trust has been squandered, and the current situation now represents a significant political and reputational crisis.
'We do regret our resignation, but within the Network, our repeated warnings are first ignored and then proven true.'
Public health minister Jenni Minto told The Scotsman: 'We are working hard with NHS boards and will shortly be setting out how our new investment of £4.5m will deliver specialist support across Scotland.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
21 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Trump drug price plans could harm patients claim Welsh Lib Dems
This is the claim of the Welsh Liberal Democrats who said the move could harm the Welsh NHS and the thousands of people working in Wales' pharmaceutical sector. The life sciences sector in Wales employs more than 12,000 people across more than 250 companies, including PCI Pharma Services in Tredegar and a growing cluster of specialist producers in Newport. It contributes approximately £2.6 billion to the Welsh economy annually. The party said reports revealed Trump had written to global pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca and GSK, demanding they lower drug prices for American patients. It said the UK government had reportedly already agreed to review NHS drug pricing as part of wider UK–US trade negotiations. Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS said: 'We must stand up to Trump's bullying. This time, he is not just picking a fight; he is putting the health of people in Wales at risk. "From threatening drug price hikes to imposing tariffs on essential medicines, his tactics could lead to shortages, rising NHS costs and real harm to Welsh patients. "The UK government must stop rolling over and urgently convene a task force, in full coordination with the Welsh Government, to put an emergency plan in place. "That means preparing for stockpiling and protecting our medicine supply chains by standing up for our domestic pharmaceutical industry and the Welsh workers it employs.'
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Toddler was given paracetamol by doctors but she was already fighting for her life and now faces race against time
Toddler was given paracetamol by doctors but she was already fighting for her life and now faces race against time Katie Hughes faces a a looming NHS deadline for £500,000 treatment Sisters Katie and Mackenzie Hughes A little girl who was told to take paracetamol for a simple fever is now fighting for her life after doctors discovered she has a rare and deadly disease. Three-year-old Katie Hughes was rushed to hospital after suffering a terrifying seizure. Doctors blamed it on a high temperature and her parents Grant and Jessica Hughes were reportedly sent home with painkillers and told not to worry. But the fits kept coming and after Katie endured her seventh seizure, her parents demanded answers. On 14 July, with no family history to explain her symptoms, doctors ordered genetic tests that delivered crushing news. Katie has CLN2 Batten Disease – a cruel, terminal brain disorder that will slowly rob her of her ability to walk, talk and see. While there is no cure for Batten Disease, a special enzyme therapy can help slow its relentless progress but the treatment costs a staggering £500,000 a year per patient – and has to be given directly into the brain every two weeks through a permanent device. The NHS has a special deal in place for children who have already started treatment or who can start it before the end of 2025, according to the NICE website. But new patients after that might not be able to get it on the NHS at all, because health bosses say there's not enough long-term evidence it works and the price is too high for the NHS budget. Katie's parents are in a desperate race against time to try to get her onto the treatment before the deadline – or raise enough money to go private or even abroad if they have to. Katie and her dad Grant Hughes "As a mother you're always there for your children and I'm expected to just sit down and slowly watch her deteriorate and go," Jessica, 29, from Porth in Wales, said. "It's just hard to see that because she's only three – she hasn't even lived her life yet. She's too young to understand what's happening to her." Katie's symptoms first appeared in January this year. She had a brain scan in May that confirmed that she had epilepsy before she received her Batten diagnosis in July. Doctors have warned that she may not live past the age of eight to 12, meaning her parents could lose their daughter before she even reaches secondary school. Her family want to make precious memories while she's still able to enjoy them. Grant, said: "I'd never even heard of [the disease] before. "Jessica called me at work and told me to come home because the doctor wanted to give us the news together. I'm not a crying person but I was tearing up – we were in pieces. "They told us what was going to happen in the future but they didn't straight away say she was going to die. I felt like they were skirting around it. "I asked them outright what her life expectancy was and they told me it would be early childhood. It's devastating. It's hard to wrap your head around because she's normal – she's running around fine but all her skills will slowly go." Three-year-old Katie Hughes was rushed to hospital after suffering a terrifying seizure. Despite their heartbreak, the brave parents are determined to stay strong for Katie and her big sister MacKenzie, age seven. They hope to take Katie on dream trips so she can experience the magic before it's too late. Jessica said: "Everything is on a timer now. We want to take her to theme parks and Disney World while she can still enjoy it. "Even that's not simple – because she's epileptic we have to pay £100 for special glasses so she can cope with the flashing lights. "We put on a brave face every day but secretly it's destroying. We have to be there for her – and for MacKenzie too." Katie's loved ones have launched a fundraiser to help cover the sky-high treatment costs, specialist equipment and special days out. Grant added: "We just want Katie to have the best days we can possibly give her. She deserves to smile, to laugh and to feel loved every single day we have left." Article continues below You can donate to Katie's fundraiser here.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
I'm a nutritionist - eat what you want without cutting calories with my easy hacks'
Expert Robbie Puddick reveals 10 ways to enjoy the summer's barbecues, picnics and all-inclusive buffets and still reduce hunger and boost energy levels As the long sunny summer rolls on, so does the national pastime of firing up the barbecue, dining al fresco or taking some picky bits to the park for a picnic. And who doesn't enjoy eating tasty food and having a drink with friends and family? But, it's also these situations, when we're offered endless food choices or we're out of our usual routine, that can lead us to overeat as we don't want to feel as though we are 'missing out'. The good news is that, with a few tweaks, the food we enjoy while having fun can be delicious and won't compromise our health. When it comes to summer dining and parties, balance really is key. And, by adding healthier options alongside our favourite foods, it can make these occasions something to look forward to rather than worry about. But this isn't about restriction and calorie-counting (our approach at Second Nature, an NHS -backed healthy eating plan focuses on giving our body everything it needs to thrive). Food is information. And, if we send the right signals to our brain with what we're eating, it will respond by lowering our hunger and boosting our energy levels. Our approach ensures you're eating enough protein, fat, and fibre to help you feel fuller for longer, so you're not having to reach for sugary snacks between meals. Here are some top tips for summer eating. READ MORE: Urgent salad and fruit warning to anyone eating common items in hot countries 1 Master the balanced BBQ plate Summer BBQs often focus heavily on meat and refined carbohydrates, but creating a more balanced plate will help you achieve your health goals while still enjoying your favourite foods. Aim to fill half your plate with vegetables; try grilling vegetable skewers, corn on the cob, or foil packets of mixed veg alongside your proteins. For the protein portion (about a quarter of your plate), opt for meat, fish, or plant-based options like grilled tofu or meat alternatives such as veggie sausages. If you're including a starchy carbohydrate like potato salad or a burger bun, keep it to a quarter of your plate (roughly the size of one closed fist). This balanced approach ensures you're getting a variety of nutrients while still enjoying classic BBQ favourites without feeling deprived. 2 Mix your own marinades Many shop-bought marinades contain surprising amounts of added sugar. Creating your own marinades gives you control over ingredients while adding incredible flavour. Mix olive oil with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a Mediterranean option, or try yoghurt with spices for a tandoori-style marinade. Acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, or yoghurt not only add flavour but also tenderise meat. 3 Create super summer salads Summer salads don't have to be boring side dishes. To create a satisfying main meal, start with a variety of colourful vegetables for different nutrients and textures. Add a good source of protein, such as grilled chicken, leftover grilled meats from the BBQ, canned fish, feta cheese, or chickpeas. Include a portion of fats such as avocado, nuts, seeds, or olive oil dressing, which helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the vegetables. Consider adding complex carbohydrates, such as quinoa, brown rice, or sweet potatoes, for sustained energy. This approach transforms a simple side salad into a balanced, nutritious meal that will keep you satisfied for hours. 4 Choose the right cooking method Different cooking techniques can transform both the taste experience and nutritional profile of our favourite dishes. Grilling creates a delicious smoky flavour to vegetables and proteins alike, perfect for outdoor cooking. Light steaming helps vegetables retain their vibrant colours and crisp textures, making them more appealing on the plate. Air-frying can create wonderfully crispy results for foods like homemade chips or vegetable fritters. Quick stir-frying in a small amount of quality extra virgin olive oil preserves the satisfying crunch of vegetables while developing complex flavours. Slow roasting intensifies the natural sweetness in vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, and courgettes. These cooking methods aren't about restriction but rather about enhancing the natural qualities of your ingredients, making nutritious foods more delicious and satisfying. 5 Drink mindfully The British culture around alcohol often encourages overconsumption, which can have a knock-on impact on our health in the long term. But we can enjoy alcohol in moderation and enjoy our social events. If you choose to drink, alternate alcoholic beverages with water to stay hydrated and consume less overall. Wine spritzers (wine with sparkling water) reduce alcohol content while maintaining the social experience. Clear spirits with low-sugar mixers, such as soda water and fresh lime, generally contain fewer calories than creamy cocktails or sugary premixes. Be wary of 'healthy' cocktails as they many contain large amounts of free sugars from fruit juices. Remember that guidelines recommend not exceeding 14 units weekly, spread across several days, with alcohol-free days in between. 6 Snack smart Hot weather can disrupt normal meal patterns and lead to increased snacking. Prepare by having nutritious options readily available. Keep a container of chopped vegetables and hummus in the fridge for quick access. Freeze yoghurt drops by piping small dots of Greek yoghurt onto baking paper and freezing; these make refreshing, protein-rich treats. Homemade ice lollies made with smoothies offer a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. A small handful of mixed nuts provides protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied. Having these options prepared in advance makes it easier to make nutritious choices when hunger strikes, even on the hottest days. 7 Go to parties with a plan Summer parties present a particular challenge for balanced eating. Having a small meal containing protein and fibre, such as Greek yoghurt and berries, before attending can help prevent arriving overly hungry. When at the event, first survey all available options before filling your plate, allowing you to make conscious choices rather than automatically taking everything. Position yourself away from the food table during conversations to prevent mindless grazing. Remember that occasional indulgences are a normal part of enjoying social gatherings; a single event won't derail your health, so focus on enjoyment and connection rather than food perfection. Balance is achieved across days, weeks, and months, rather than within every meal or event. 8 Freeze your fruit Frozen fruits offer convenience, affordability, and preserved nutrients as they're frozen at peak ripeness. For a simple dessert, blend frozen bananas for a creamy ice cream alternative with natural sweetness and no added sugar. Frozen berries can be partially thawed and added to yoghurt for a refreshing snack. Try freezing grapes for nature's 'sweets' that take longer to eat, helping with mindful consumption. Frozen fruit also makes smoothies naturally cold without diluting with ice. Since frozen fruit is pre-prepared and lasts for months, it removes preparation barriers when fresh produce might spoil quickly in summer heat, making healthy choices more convenient. 9 Make your breakfast the night before Traditional hot breakfasts often lose appeal during summer. Overnight oats offer a cooling alternative that preserves the nutritional benefits of porridge, simply combine oats with milk or yoghurt and let them sit in the fridge overnight. Adding protein, such as Greek yoghurt or a spoonful of nut butter, can help us feel fuller for longer. Smoothie bowls with added unsweetened protein powder, nuts, and seeds provide a refreshing, nutrient-dense option. Preparing these options the night before means we don't have to rush around in the morning and provides nutritious options when we're short on time. These approaches ensure you're not skipping breakfast, which research shows can impact energy levels and food choices throughout the day. 10 Batch cook for busy days Summer often brings spontaneous activities that can disrupt meal routines. Batch-preparing core components on the weekend creates flexibility while maintaining a nutritious diet. Cook extra portions of protein, such as chicken breasts or hard-boiled eggs, to add to salads or sandwiches. Prepare a large batch of mixed roasted vegetables that can be eaten cold or reheated. Wash and chop the salad ingredients, then store them separately with kitchen towels to absorb moisture, thereby extending their freshness. Cook and freeze portions of whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, that can be quickly defrosted. This preparation enables you to quickly assemble balanced meals when opportunities for outdoor activities arise, supporting both your health goals and ability to enjoy the longer days.
