A GP WHO left her job last year after contracting Covid-19 has backed a national charity after it was announced that more than £750,000 would be spent on improving ‘long Covid’ care.

Dr Amy Small had worked at Prestonpans Health Centre before stepping down “with huge sadness” in October.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) has now announced £760,000 of joint funding with the Scottish Government.

The package, which will see the Scottish Government contribute £460,000 and CHSS £300,000, will boost capacity for the charity’s support services.

It will also lead to a co-ordinated nationwide care pathway between the NHS, GPs and CHSS.

Dr Small said: “Having someone to help you live day-to-day with long Covid is so important. The impact of this virus affects your whole life.

“I lost the job that I loved because I wasn’t well enough to continue. I lost my health and it really affects you mentally.

“There’s lots that we still need to fix, but it’s great to see that everyone is coming together to build the service that people with long Covid need and want.”

The development comes following the charity’s Long Covid Care Now campaign, which saw people send more than 1,000 emails to their MSPs urging action to offer better care for people with the condition.

Long Covid is a complex condition, with sufferers experiencing a variety of symptoms ranging from breathlessness and chronic fatigue to anxiety and stress.

It is estimated that as many as 10 per cent of people who have had Covid-19 in Scotland are now living with long Covid.

When Dr Small left her post, a message was posted on the health centre’s website.

It read: “I am devastated to be unable to return to my beloved practice and work; and deeply saddened that I have not been able to say any form of farewell to any of my patients, given my sudden onset illness and unforeseen departure now.

“The last 10 years have been an absolute joy – and I am very proud of what we have achieved together as a practice in supporting the health and wellbeing of our local population. It has been a privilege to be your GP.”

Jane-Claire Judson, CHSS chief executive, stressed that support was available for those who needed it.

She said: “No one should be left to struggle with long Covid alone.

“This joint funding package with the Scottish Government is a vital first step in providing better all-round care for people suffering the debilitating long-term effects of this devastating virus.

“Over the coming months, we will be working with people living with long Covid, the NHS and the Scottish Government to make sure that the process of accessing the full range of help and support gets easier.

“Right now, we’re encouraging people affected to call our Long Covid Advice Line on 0808 801 0899 for help.”