LONG COVID


OF ‘LONG COVID’ M


SUFFERING THE EFFECTS


illions of Covid survivors, including police officers, are still suffering from its


debilitating long-term effects. Zuleika Payne from the Police Federation National Board is one of them. She explains: “When I caught Covid


I was fit and healthy and thought I would just get a cough that would last a few days. I never anticipated the six weeks of utter hell that followed that positive diagnosis.” Zuleika was gravely ill and bedridden for weeks, while also racked with guilt after passing it on to her elderly mother who has Alzheimer’s. Thankfully, both pulled through and Zuleika, who is a former South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair, is grateful for the “first class” remote support she received from the Police Treatment Centre in Harrogate. However, she still suffers from


fatigue and muscle pain despite getting over her brush with Covid. “Some days are better than others, it’s when you have a blip that you feel like you’re sliding backwards again,” she says. “My advice to colleagues in the same situation is to speak up and reach out – don’t be in fear of stigma and perceptions.” Long Covid is still uncharted


territory and, while we have some understanding of the effects which range from severe fatigue and breathing difficulties, plus of course the impact on mental health, we do not know how many Federation members are suffering to this day. The Office for National Statistics


estimates there were 1.1 million people sufferering from Long Covid in the country in March this year. But the NHS has no reliable way to diagnose it, and


12 I POLICE I JUNE 2021


for it to be considered an occupational disease – which it isn’t currently – an accurate recording by employers will be difficult. The Federation is continuing to support affected officers, including working with the National Police Wellbeing Service to ensure they are supported mentally, and is calling for them to be offered flexible working. With the creation of the Police


Covenant underway, the past year has also demonstrated why it is more important than ever to give officers – who, along with the Federation, are deeply disappointed that they were not prioritised for the vaccine – the protection they need. Alex Duncan, PFEW National


Secretary, advises: “The first thing to do if you believe you are suffering with Long Covid is to make your force aware. If the condition is having a detrimental effect on your ability to work, you will be referred to your force’s Occupational Health (OH) team, where they will assess your condition and what restrictions the condition may cause in the same way that they would with any other medical condition. “There’s a range of outcomes for


that, ranging from being able to do everything you usually do, to not being able to do so. There is also the middle


Zuleika Payne


Alex Duncan


ground of some roles. OH will look at the evidence and make a decision on what is best for you. There is the possibility that you may need to be put into a restricted role for a time. Should you need to go on sick leave, you are entitled to full pay for six months. After that, the presumption is that you will drop to half pay unless the Chief exercises their discretion to retain you on full pay.” Alex adds: “Anyone who is facing the possibility of the reduction of pay after six months should check if they are in any kind of insurance policy that will make up the difference in pay. Your local Federation branch will be able to assist you with this entire process and help identify which benefits you are entitled to. Each of these elements of the process can take a while to complete, so it’s essential to get your information together and put the wheels in motion as soon as possible.” If you are suffering with Long Covid, you do not have to go through it alone. Your Federation, force and local OH teams are on hand to provide advice, so it is important to speak to them sooner rather than later to get the help and support you are entitled to. PFEW’s Welfare Support Programme can also help and provides access to fully trained and accredited professionals. Speak to your Fed rep if you think you would benefit from a referral.


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