Croydon residents' experiences of living with Long Covid

Healthwatch Croydon undertook research on residents’ experiences of living with Long Covid. They spoke to 62 people through a survey carried out between July and November 2021. More than a third had received a Long Covid diagnosis, while almost a quarter reported having symptoms but no diagnosis. Many respondents had been experiencing symptoms for six months or longer, with a third reporting symptoms lasting more than a year. 

Fatigue, anxiety and headaches were the most severe symptoms reported, while many people also experienced breathlessness, muscle pain, memory problems and insomnia. Most respondents said their symptoms fluctuated over time, and 85% were still experiencing symptoms when they completed the survey. Nearly three-quarters said Long Covid had negatively affected their mental health, with anxiety and depression commonly reported. 

Many people described difficulties obtaining a diagnosis and accessing support. Most began their healthcare journey with a GP but were more likely to receive a diagnosis through hospitals, consultants or specialist clinics. More than half had not received any formal support following referral, and 53% said they had relied on friends and family for help. Experiences of healthcare services were mixed, with some respondents praising the care they received while others felt unsupported or struggled to access specialist help. 

Healthwatch Croydon found that 75% of respondents felt their quality of life had been affected, including impacts on work, relationships, caring responsibilities and day-to-day activities. The report recommended improving diagnosis and screening processes, creating better referral pathways between GPs and specialist services, developing dedicated Long Covid support services, strengthening support for families and carers, and improving understanding of how Long Covid affects different groups within the population.