Prime Minister (Sir ): The Chair of the UK Covid-19
Inquiry has today published the Inquiry's Module 5 report, which
examined the procurement and distribution of key healthcare
equipment and supplies, including personal protective equipment
(PPE), ventilators, and testing equipment.
The Chair finds that the lack of preparation ahead of the
Covid-19 pandemic meant that the UK's stockpile of PPE was in a
perilous condition, with shortages and expired stock. The Chair
adds that there were no proper plans for the procurement and
distribution of key healthcare equipment in an emergency. Health
and social care workers were therefore left without adequate PPE
to protect themselves, and those for whom they cared.
The Chair acknowledges the logistical challenges of
simultaneously obtaining the same supplies as other governments
across the world. Those involved in the emergency procurement of
healthcare equipment had to act under pressure with extraordinary
speed, and were confronted with unenviable choices.
The Inquiry identifies 11 recommendations to ensure that the UK
is better prepared ahead of a future healthcare emergency.
I would like to thank and her team for their
thorough work on this report. The Government will carefully
consider the findings and recommendations of the report and
respond in due course.
I have laid a copy of the report before both Houses of
Parliament.
