The Covid Inquiry Module 3 – here’s what we know

The Inquiry yesterday revealed the provisional scope of Module 3, which will explore the consequences of the pandemic response on healthcare, including the manner in which healthcare systems responded.

The areas of focus

The Inquiry has identified 12 areas of focus for Module 3, which include:

• The impact of Covid 19 on peoples’ experience of healthcare;
• Core decision-making and leadership within healthcare systems;
• Staffing and capacity, including the establishment and use of Nightingale hospitals;
• 111, 999 and ambulance services, GP surgeries, hospitals and cross-sectional co-operation;
• Healthcare provision and treatment for patients with Covid-19, and the impact on those requiring care for reasons other than Covid-19;
• Decision-making about treatment for patients with Covid-19;
• The impact on staff;
• Preventing the spread of Covid-19 within healthcare settings;
• Communication with patients;
• Deaths caused by the Covid-19 pandemic;
• Shielding and the impact on the clinically vulnerable;
• Characterisation and identification of post-Covid conditions.

What to expect and deadlines

The Inquiry has indicated, in recent preliminary hearings, that it intends to take a very focussed approach to information requests; more information about this may be made public in due time. Healthcare providers may be approached by the Inquiry and asked to provide documents, information, data, statements or other evidence.

The window for making an application for Core Participant status opened on the 8 November 2022, and closes on 5 December 2022. 

Bevan Brittan is ready to healthcare organisations in the event that advice or support is required with responding to information requests, managing document reviews, or considering and preparing an application for Core Participant status. 

If it would be helpful to have an informal discussion at this stage, please feel free to contact Melanie Carter, Partner, Daniel Purcell, Partner or Sarah Court-Brown, Senior Associate.