Long Covid is characterized by symptoms persisting for three months or more after infection, with common manifestations including fatigue, pain, and cognitive impairment, often referred to as 'brain fog'.

The hubs provided essential treatments for a range of issues, including breathlessness, fatigue, anxiety, and also offered support for non-medical challenges like employment and mental health.

The withdrawal of these hubs has raised concerns about the ongoing support for individuals dealing with long-term effects of Covid-19.

NHS officials have stated that current patients will be informed about their care transition, and essential services will remain accessible through established channels, including therapies for chronic fatigue syndrome and rehabilitation services.

Despite the closure of the hubs, NHS representatives have assured that similar services will still be available through alternative referral channels, rather than from a centralized location.

In the previous year, referrals to the long Covid services in Cheshire and Merseyside had declined by around 60%, with about 2,910 individuals referred in 2022/23.

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside has closed its specialized long Covid hubs as of the end of March 2025, citing a significant drop in referrals and the end of designated national funding, which rendered the hubs 'unsustainable'.

Before their closure, approximately 1,000 patients were still receiving care across the six long Covid services established to assist those suffering from post-Covid symptoms.

Paul Dolan, a former NHS commissioner, warned that the lack of funding could negatively impact patients reliant on these services, potentially leading to relapses and increased pressure on hospitals and general practitioners.

The World Health Organization estimates that about 6% of Covid-19 patients develop long-term symptoms, highlighting the ongoing need for effective support.