ME and Long Covid – Scottish Parliament Summary (April 2026)
This summary outlines key discussion points from the Scottish Parliament regarding support for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Long Covid, with a focus on services, funding, and future provision.
Funding and Support Services
The Scottish Government has committed £4.5 million in recurring funding for NHS boards to support services for ME, Long Covid, and related conditions
This funding is intended to help health boards develop and deliver specialist support services, including multidisciplinary care for patients with complex needs. Decisions on how services are structured and staffed are made locally by NHS boards.
Specialist Clinics and Service Development
There have been calls for dedicated specialist clinics for ME and Long Covid in every NHS board area, staffed by trained professionals. While no specific commitment has been made to establish clinics in all regions, the government has emphasised the importance of following clinical guidance and improving service delivery through existing structures
Regional collaborations between NHS boards are being developed to provide more comprehensive and coordinated care.
Scale and Impact of ME and Long Covid
It is estimated that over 100,000 people in Scotland are affected by ME or Long Covid
These conditions often have long-term effects, with many individuals experiencing significant impacts on their daily lives, health, and ability to work. Concerns have been raised about whether current funding levels are sufficient to meet the scale of need.
Future Engagement and Improvements
The Scottish Government has indicated a willingness to engage with stakeholders, including advocacy groups and individuals affected by ME, to explore ways to improve support and reduce the impact of these conditions.
Ongoing work includes strengthening services, improving workforce capacity, and ensuring adherence to established clinical guidelines.
Conclusion
The Scottish Government recognises the significant and ongoing impact of ME and Long Covid and has provided dedicated funding to support service development. However, questions remain about the adequacy of current provision and whether more targeted specialist services are required. Continued collaboration between government, NHS boards, and stakeholders will be essential to improving care and outcomes for those affected.