Update: Long Term Conditions Framework
What’s happening now (and why this matters for Long Covid)
We want to share an important update on the Scottish Government’s Long Term Conditions Framework, which was intended to shape future policy for long-term conditions — including Long Covid.
What’s happening now?
The Framework was due to be published in December 2025, but the Minister for Public Health has confirmed that publication has been paused. This followed feedback from stakeholders, including the third sector, that further work was needed. However, there is currently no clarity on what work is being done, what has changed, or when — or if — a full Framework will now be published.
What’s happening instead?
Rather than publishing the Framework, the Scottish Government plans to:
Establish advisory boards for grouped long-term conditions
Bring together clinicians, government officials, NHS Scotland and the third sector
Produce short sets of recommended actions
Feed these recommendations into wider NHS reform work
Key issue: timing before the election
These advisory boards are expected to report by March 2026 — immediately before the Scottish Parliament election.
This means:
There will be no published Long Term Conditions Framework
There is no clear or funded national plan for Long Covid
There is no guarantee recommendations will be implemented before the election
There is a real risk that momentum is lost and decisions are delayed into the next Parliament
What this means for people with Long Covid
For people living with Long Covid in Scotland, this continued pause means:
Inconsistent access to services will be ongoing
Limited transparency about national planning
Worsening inequalities across health boards
Continued Uncertainty about the future of specialist support
Refusal of referrals for patients
Funding sill not spent, despite being awarded nine months late
Without a published framework or clear accountability, people with Long Covid are once again being asked to wait.
Long Covid Scotland’s Position
We will continue to push for clear, visible action on Long Covid — including scrutiny of both the new funding and the Long Term Conditions Framework.
We will continue to challenge delays that directly impact people’s health, finances and daily lives
We will continue campaigning to ensure lived experience is not side-lined during pre-election policy changes.