During July, together with members of the NCF team, I took part in module 6 of the Covid Inquiry, most recently delivering a closing statement to the public proceedings which can be viewed here:

I left the inquiry more determined than ever to ensure that we learn the lessons of that devastating period before it is too late. The people who draw on care and support, the care workforce and those who provide care have to be front and centre of decision making when any future pandemic impacts.

The inquiry has unearthed multiple recommendations that have the potential to reshape care. These must be acted on at pace. They cannot be put into the ‘to do’ tray for Baroness Casey and her team. These are things that this government must take action on now and I will soon be able to share our full written closing statement which will detail NCF’s recommendations in full.

It has felt like a rare privilege to spend time at this Inquiry, alongside my NCF colleagues and from Homecare Association – and listen with intent. I encourage you to take some time to listen to the many voices that have told the story of how Covid 19 impacted on the care sector – we forget that at our peril.

Reflections on the early stages of the Inquiry

The first four days included; opening statements from core participants including myself representing NCF, and from the Homecare Association. Also featured was the impact video and Every Story Matters which heard from nearly 47k people directly impacted and connected to care, Impact statements from Covid Bereaved families of all 4 nations, Insight into Vivaldi study, Matt Hancock, testimony from BASW and RCN and witness testimony from National Care Forum.

You can view NCF’s opening statement here:

The evidence I gave on behalf of NCF covers data, research, workforce, recognition of professional status and expertise, lack of integration between health and care and the devastating impacts that has for people and more. You can see it here:  

You can read the full witness statement here.

You can also read our full closing submissions here.

This module has been extremely painful and emotional – but it also comes at a time when we are talking reform – and almost all the lessons of reform are explicit in the evidence. It is a devastating but important listen if you can.

You can follow all public proceedings through the Covid Inquiry website https://lnkd.in/esW-y4mP