Story Highlight
– NHS crisis preceded Covid due to underfunding and cuts.
– NHS workforce showed extraordinary dedication during the pandemic.
– Austerity exacerbated issues as pandemic began.
– Healthcare staff were under-prioritized and poorly supported.
– Report highlights need for proper funding and staffing.
Full Story
The publication of the independent inquiry report into the National Health Service’s (NHS) response to the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a critical response from union representatives, highlighting longstanding issues within the healthcare system. Sara Gorton, the head of health for UNISON during the pandemic and currently serving as the London regional secretary, discussed the findings during a media briefing on Thursday.
Gorton asserted that the NHS was already suffering from severe underfunding and a series of cuts prior to the onset of the pandemic. “Years of catastrophic underfunding and cuts put the NHS in a state of crisis long before Covid hit,” she noted. This prolonged period of austerity, she argued, left the healthcare system precariously positioned on the edge of disaster.
The inquiry report indicates that the cumulative impact of budget constraints and resource misallocation had a detrimental effect on the NHS’s ability to respond effectively to the crisis. Gorton reflected on the courage displayed by healthcare professionals throughout the pandemic, crediting their dedication for preventing the collapse of the system. “It was only the extraordinary courage and dedication of the NHS workforce that brought the system back from the brink.”
As the UK faced the challenges of the pandemic, Gorton recalled how pre-existing inadequacies within the NHS were exacerbated. “Austerity heightened every problem as the UK went into the pandemic. The NHS had been left critically undermined,” she remarked, emphasising the need for substantial investment in healthcare services.
During the pandemic, healthcare staff often found themselves in perilous situations, risking their health for the sake of others. However, Gorton highlighted that these workers did not receive the priority they deserved. “Healthcare staff, who repeatedly put themselves in harm’s way, were not the high priority they should have been,” she explained, indicating systemic failures that left the most vulnerable worker segments overlooked.
The inquiry’s findings paint a troubling picture of an NHS that was unprepared for the crisis it faced. Gorton described the sequence of events as a “shameful story of Covid,” one that comprised leaders failing to take necessary actions and a misspending scandal that allowed opportunities for friends and supporters of the governing party to benefit financially at a time of national emergency. “A misspending scandal that allowed Tory friends and cronies to hoover up cash and fail to deliver at the nation’s hour of need,” she stated, illustrating a deep-seated frustration with governmental prioritisation.
Amid this turmoil, dedicated NHS staff were compelled to continue delivering care under challenging conditions, frequently without adequate protective equipment. Many faced burnout and exposure to the virus, illustrating the grave risks associated with their work. “In some cases, their lives, to deliver the care needed. Shamefully, they were all but forgotten,” Gorton said, entreating that this neglect highlights the necessity for significant reform within the healthcare system.
The inquiry report serves as a wake-up call, according to Gorton, underscoring the urgent requirement for comprehensive funding and adequate staffing levels within the NHS to safeguard public health in the future. “This report can give no clearer sign that proper funding and full staffing are vital to ensure public safety,” she concluded.
UNISON has been proactive in ensuring that the perspectives of its members are included in the ongoing inquiry process since it launched in the summer of 2022. The union has prioritised amplifying the voices of its members in the enquiry, striving to ensure that the experiences and lessons of frontline staff are fully addressed. The insights gained from the inquiry are seen as paramount for creating a more resilient system capable of withstanding future crises.
Sara Gorton gave evidence to the third module of the COVID-19 inquiry hearings in September 2024 on behalf of the Trades Union Congress (TUC). Her contributions are expected to provide a vital context for discussions on future reforms and necessary improvements in the NHS’s operational framework.
UNISON, the largest trade union in the UK with over 1.3 million members, represents a diverse workforce engaged in public service across education, healthcare, local government, and various other sectors. The union’s commitment to advocating for its members reflects a larger goal of ensuring that public services are adequately funded and that workers are treated with the respect and support they deserve.
The inquiry continues to unfold, with further testimonies and reports anticipated as it moves forward. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus remains on building a stronger healthcare system that can respond effectively to emerging challenges, ensuring the dedicated professionals at the heart of the NHS are adequately supported and resourced. The findings of this inquiry are positioned as a critical turning point in addressing these issues, with stakeholders keen to implement lessons learned for a healthier future.
Our Thoughts
The Covid Inquiry report highlights significant failings in the NHS’s preparedness for the pandemic, mainly due to years of underfunding and systemic issues. To avoid such crises, key actions could have included ensuring adequate staffing levels and resource allocation prior to the pandemic, aligning with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which mandates employers to maintain a safe working environment.
Additionally, the absence of basic safety equipment for frontline workers indicates a breach of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. Proper risk assessments and provision of PPE could have mitigated exposure to Covid-19, safeguarding healthcare staff.
Lessons learned emphasize the importance of prioritizing health workforce safety and funding, particularly in crisis situations. Implementing robust contingency planning and regular safety audits could help prevent similar incidents, ensuring that health services are resilient during emergencies.
