Concerns and Criticisms in the Response

The opening week of Module 2 featured testimonies highlighting concerns and criticisms in the government's response to the pandemic. Professor Philip Banfield, Chair of the Doctors' Union, criticized the government for being slow in their response and expressed concerns about the impact on ethnic minority groups. The former Children's Commissioner for England criticized the decision to keep schools closed and highlighted failures in implementing recovery programs. Groups representing bereaved relatives raised issues regarding the performance of the NHS 111 helpline and the triaging process, suggesting some individuals were denied appropriate medical care. The subsequent weeks will focus on scientific advice and further testimonies from key decision-makers.