The King's Fund responds to the latest Covid-19 Inquiry report

Responding to the latest Covid-19 Inquiry report, Siva Anandaciva, Director of Policy, Events and Partnerships at The King’s Fund, said:

'If a Covid-style pandemic hit the UK tomorrow, it would meet a health and care system that is in many ways in worse shape than 2020. The number of people on hospital waiting lists has exploded, people are routinely treated in hospital corridors because wards and A&E departments are full, industrial action has been normalised and the social care system is still fragile and crying out for much-needed reform – the list could go on and on.

'On top of these intense pressures, the governance of the NHS in England is undergoing immense organisational change with NHS England's abolition and the biggest restructure in 15 years. The government has still not made a clear case for how this restructure sets the NHS up for future success, or how the restructure would address the problems outlined in today’s report.

'The issues raised today, especially those experienced by healthcare staff, are stark: a lack of PPE in GP practices and hospitals, shortages in intensive care equipment, staff unable to access Covid tests, and a lack of support given to those on the frontline who saw countless people die. Far too many NHS and social care staff are still living with the scars and trauma from the Covid-19 pandemic and many of the same working conditions that contribute to poor mental health and wellbeing.

'The Inquiry also tells a story of a health and care system that did some things incredibly well – such as developing vaccines at speed and prioritising the sickest patients. But our healthcare system was also close to collapse despite staff bravely trying to hold it together without all the tools they needed. It is no wonder that the trauma of this experience is still affecting many who worked through it. Even before the next pandemic hits this report emphasises the need for the government’s 10 Year Workforce Plan to address the core needs of staff and have a focus on their health and wellbeing at its heart.’

Notes to editors

Previous work from The King’s Fund on the NHS Workforce Plan: Securing The NHS Workforce For The Future: Our Recommendations For Action | The King's Fund.