Responding to The Lancet COVID-19 Commission's report on “Lessons for the future from the COVID-19 pandemic”, RCN Director for England, Patricia Marquis, said:
“Nursing staff were failed by the UK government time and time again during the pandemic.
“The government moved far too slowly on key guidance, including around risk assessments which help to protect healthcare workers. At the same time IPC guidance failed to acknowledge that COVID-19 can be spread via the airborne route under normal circumstances including activities such as talking, sneezing and coughing.
“This was alongside inadequate PPE and testing and poor record keeping of the number of health and care staff who died.
“Overall, there was a total lack of preparedness for the public health emergency we faced. The government needs to listen now and not wait until the Covid inquiry to learn lessons.
“And with a record one in eight nursing posts in England vacant – and a similar picture across the rest of the UK – we’re in the midst of a workforce crisis. It’s patients who are suffering.
“This report correctly identifies inadequate staffing levels as a key factor. Urgent investment in nursing is needed now, including fair pay.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
The report can be found here.
