The Royal College of Podiatry responds to the publication of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s third report
The report sets out findings and recommendations following its investigation into the impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on healthcare systems in the UK
Today saw the publication of the Module 3 Report from the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
The Royal College of Podiatry welcomes its publication, even though a lot of the report makes for uncomfortable reading. We will take some time to digest the report fully, but some things are already clear.
As Baroness Hallett, Chair of the Inquiry, says in her introduction:
“The healthcare systems coped with the pandemic, but only just. On a number of occasions, they teetered on the brink of collapse and only coped thanks to the almost superhuman efforts of healthcare workers and all the staff who support them.”
Our members know this from their lived experience and it’s vital that the report’s recommendations are implemented.
It is clear that there needs to be investment in the healthcare system – that includes podiatry.
Staff vacancies and shortages are highlighted in the report as a concern.
The Royal College of Podiatry continues to say to the government that falling numbers due to people leaving the profession had, and continues to have, a potential impact on public health.
If the government doesn’t act to improve conditions and support more people to join the profession to replace those who have already left — and we know many left during and after Covid-19 — the situation will get worse.
Once again, we want to thank all our members across the profession who helped to keep the healthcare system running during the pandemic.
You can read the full report here