Teenager Battling ‘Horrible’ Long Covid Faces 300-Mile Journey for Specialist Care Amidst NHS Service Cuts

Sixteen-year-old Molly from Weymouth, Dorset, is grappling with debilitating symptoms of long Covid four years after contracting the condition. Her daily life has been profoundly impacted; she rarely leaves her home, often relying on a wheelchair due to severe fatigue and occasional fainting spells. These symptoms range from crippling fatigue to heart palpitations and seizures – stemming from neurological dysfunction causing miscommunication within the brain’s nervous system.

Molly’s journey highlights a critical lack of specialized support for young people with long Covid in Dorset. Previously, she received care through the Dorset Post Covid Syndrome Service (PCCS), a clinic dedicated to paediatric patients. However, in November 2023, the PCCS abruptly ceased offering services to children and teenagers, redirecting them to a chronic fatigue service – a move Molly’s family found inadequate due to the unique complexities of long Covid. The service is now scheduled to close completely for adults on June 30th, leaving her without readily available specialist care.

The closure of the PCCS has forced Molly and her family to travel approximately 300 miles (480km) to Liverpool, where they will attend a private clinic in July. She describes the experience as profoundly isolating, stating, “It affects me every day, anything I do.” She expressed frustration that her condition was initially dismissed as anxiety by some medical professionals and hopes for greater awareness among healthcare providers. Molly now relies on support from her assistance dog, Woody, to navigate daily tasks.

Despite the challenges, Molly remains hopeful for a treatment solution. Her family is advocating for increased education within the medical community regarding long Covid’s diverse manifestations, particularly in young people. NHS Dorset has acknowledged the situation and stated they are exploring alternative support mechanisms but declined to detail specific plans due to ongoing consultations. This case underscores the urgent need for accessible and specialized care for individuals affected by long Covid, especially adolescents facing significant disruption to their education and social lives.