Written question WQ93540
- Asked by
- Delyth JewellPlaid
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Health, Social Care and Welsh Language
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 6 days
Question
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of Wales's rates of long COVID in comparison with recent ONS data published in April which estimates that 3.3 per cent of the population in England and Scotland have long COVID, up from 2.9 per cent in March 2023?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Health, Social Care and Welsh Language
The Welsh Government estimates the number of people with self-reported long COVID in Wales to be approximately 104,000, using 2023 mid-year population estimates[1], based on the comparative figures for England and Scotland[2]. In this instance, long COVID is described as experiencing symptoms more than four weeks after a coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, that are not explained by something else. Although Wales did not participate in the ONS Winter COVID Infection Survey (CIS), given previous surveys we expect the percentages in Wales to be comparable to the rest of the UK.
We recognise the need to support the large numbers of people suffering with long COVID symptoms. In March 2023, I announced further investment into Adferiad (Recovery) Programme as detailed in my Written Statement: Adferiad Programme Update (14 March 2023) | GOV.WALES.
I have ensured this funding is recurrent so that health boards are able to continue to provide services to people with long Covid, but also to widen access to these services to people with similar symptoms, rehabilitation and recovery needs. Making this funding recurrent allows for sustainable planning and development of these vital services, aligns with our ambition to improve access to health professionals, further develops community care services, and ensures comprehensive support for all individuals with long-term health conditions.
[1] Population estimates for England and Wales - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
[2] Self-reported coronavirus (COVID-19) infections and associated symptoms, England and Scotland - Office for National Statistics