Trust halts long covid services in Lancashire and South Cumbria
Officials say the decision's down to a drop in referrals and a change to funding
Long Covid services in Lancashire and South Cumbria are being halted.
Bosses says there's been a significant drop in referrals, and a change to national funding.
They'll refer current patients elsewhere for help.
A spokesperson for NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Intergrated Care Board said:
"From Thursday 1 May 2025, the long COVID services in Lancashire and South Cumbria will no longer be commissioned as stand-alone services.
"These services have now closed to new referrals and the way in which patients with long COVID access support will change.
"This decision was taken by the ICB Board on Wednesday 26 March 2025 due to a significant drop in referrals, and a change to the national funding from 1 April 2025.
"The average number of referrals per month over the last 12 months across Lancashire and South Cumbria was 47.
"This is in comparison to an average of 72 referrals per month in 2023, 146 per month in 2022 and 172 per month in 2021.
"Anyone currently accessing the long COVID service in Lancashire and South Cumbria will be contacted directly by their provider to let them know what will happen next and how they can continue to be supported.
"People with long COVID symptoms should see their GP who will be able to refer them to alternative existing services depending on their clinical needs."