Don’t delay public Covid inquiry, BMA urges

The British Medical Association has urged the government to start its public inquiry into the handling of the coronavirus pandemic and will publish its own lessons learnt in due course.

The BMA believes the public inquiry should start immediately, while memories are fresh in the minds of those who have worked on the frontline and that the current start date of Spring 2022 is simply not good enough.

The doctors union will gather evidence from members across the UK and seek accounts from stakeholders to inform its future publication, which will directly inform its submission to the public inquiry.

The BMA has identified five areas into which the ‘Lessons learned’ work will focus on: the protection of healthcare workers from coronavirus; the impact of the pandemic on healthcare workers; delivery of healthcare during the pandemic; the public health response to the pandemic; and the impact of the pandemic on population health .

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chair, said: “The public inquiry into the country’s handling of the pandemic will probably take years to gather evidence and publish its findings – so we should not be waiting to uncover the reasons why the UK has suffered the highest death toll in Europe or the seventh highest in the world  as well as the devastating impact on our health service and its staff.

“This work is especially critical right now as we sit amidst a rapidly growing third wave of infections that threaten our health service and the long-term health of our nation.  

“In the absence of any meaningful action from Government, we will speak with our members and other stakeholders; pose the key questions they need to answer and produce clear recommendations for the government. Drawing upon lessons learned we will call on Ministers to put into place measures, so the NHS is adequately prepared of any future pandemic or unexpected surges in demand, together with proper support and protection of its healthcare staff. We will also outline areas where the Inquiry needs to interrogate witnesses - who will be compelled to give evidence under oath.”