Documents reveal concerns at UK preparations for pandemic
DAMNING WHITEHALL documents condemning the UK’s ability to cope with a pandemic such as the coronavirus reveal concerns had been raised over “insufficient” preparedness.
The secret document, codenamed Exercise Cygnus, identified a “lack of joint tactical-level plans” for a public health emergency, with demand for services outstripping local capacity.
The Public Health England analysis, based on a 2016 simulation of a flu pandemic, also challenged expectations that the social care system would be able to provide the level of support needed in the event of a serious outbreak.
“The UK’s preparedness and response, in terms of its plans, policies and capability, is currently not sufficient to cope with the extreme demands of a severe pandemic that will have a nationwide impact across all sectors,” the drill document detailed.
The number of deaths involving Covid-19 that have been registered across the UK currently stands at 32,898, the highest toll in Europe.
Across Yorkshire, a further 32 coronavirus deaths have been confirmed, bringing the number
Liz Kendall, Shadow Health Secretary. of people lost to the virus in the region’s hospitals to 2,001.
Nationwide, more than 150 frontline NHS and care workers have died.
Among them a domestic services assistant at the Northern General in Sheffield, Ray Lever, remembered as a doting grandfather.
Dr Nasir Khan, a locum doctor working at Dewsbury Hospital, was a popular father of three who would “look for the slightest of excuses to help those in need”, according to his son.
And mother-of-five Josiane Zauma Ebonja Ekoli, an agency nurse who lived in Leeds and worked at Harrogate Hospital, who died on April 13 aged 55.
There have been long-running concerns about a lack of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) among frontline health workers and care home staff, as well as worries over the Government’s testing capabilities.
Now it has emerged the 57page Cygnus drill document warned the possible impacts of a pandemic were not universally understood across Whitehall.
Ministers have acknowledged the presence of the Cygnus report throughout the coronavirus pandemic, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock telling reporters last month that “everything that was appropriate to do was done”.
Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England representing independent providers of adult social care, said: “From what we understand this document set out a range of questions and actions that if they had been followed may have left us in a much better position to navigate the current health emergency.
“It would be really helpful if this document was put into the public domain as many of the key messages may still be helpful in today’s pandemic.”
Liz Kendall, the Shadow Health Secretary, said: “These warnings have now proved all too sadly true as the unfolding tragedy in our care homes shows.
“Care providers confirm they were not involved in subsequent discussions on how to put these problems right.
“Ministers must be clear about why they failed to act on the report’s recommendations and what they will now do to fully protect and resource these vital services in future.”
These warnings have now proved all too sadly true.