Coronavirus (COVID-19): Scotland's Long Covid service

Supported self-management

For many people, recovery from COVID-19 can be self-managed by using the right information, advice and support. This is about making sure people have access to information and resources and are equipped with the right tools to help them participate as actively as possible and enjoy the life they choose.

What you can expect:

• Clear, accessible information is available on NHS Inform, which provides details about the condition, steps you can take to self-manage your symptoms, and advice on when to contact a healthcare professional for further support.

• People with long COVID can access Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland's 'long COVID Support Service' by calling 0808 801 0899 (free from landlines and mobiles), emailing adviceline@chss.org.uk or texting NURSE to 66777. This service has been funded by the Scottish Government to enable people with long COVID to speak to Nurses who are trained in managing some of the most common long COVID symptoms, such as breathlessness and fatigue.

Our commitments

• We will work with NHS 24 to increase the range of self-management information available on NHS inform and make it more easily accessible for people with long COVID, by the end of 2021.
• We will work with NHS 24 and third sector partners to develop resources that help people with long COVID to access information on local community-based services which can support their health and wellbeing.
• We have committed £40,000 to deliver a targeted long COVID marketing campaign in conjunction with community pharmacies across Scotland.
• We will develop and distribute a communications toolkit for primary care teams, NHS Boards and other partners. The toolkit will include key messages, campaign assets and relevant information on long COVID ensuring clarity and consistency of information available.
• We will continue to support Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland to raise awareness of their 'long COVID Support Service' and ensure that this resource can be easily accessed by those who wish to do so.
• We will continue to support long COVID needs as they emerge with the technologies appropriate to the person and the circumstances, including digital technologies and mobile apps where appropriate.