The Covid Inquiry Podcast

The Covid Inquiry begins its fifth module, looking at how the government bought medical supplies like PPE and ventilators during the pandemic. In this first week of evidence the Inquiry hears about the creation of a so-called 'VIP' lane for some companies. Jim Reed reports.

In the final week examining the rollout of vaccines, the Covid Inquiry hears about how those in government attracted manufacturers to the UK, and whether the country has prepared enough for a future pandemic. With evidence from former minister and now Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch, Dame Emily Lawson who led the initial vaccine rollout, and Dr Clive Dix, Deputy Chair of the Vaccine Task Force. Jim Reed reports.

The Covid Inquiry takes a second week of evidence about the rollout of vaccines, hearing from Dame Kate Bingham, who chaired the Vaccine Taskforce, Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, and Sir Jonathan Van Tam, former Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England. Jim Reed reports.

The Covid Inquiry was back this week after a short break in hearings, to begin taking evidence about the vaccine rollout and the development of drugs to treat the disease. Jim Reed reports.

This week the Covid Inquiry concluded its module looking at the way the NHS handled the pandemic. Sir Sajid Javid, who was Health Secretary from 2021, gave evidence on the decisions made around mandatory vaccinations of frontline staff. The week ended with testimony from bereaved families, with a focus on the restrictions placed on hospital visiting hours. Jim Reed reports.

The Covid Inquiry takes evidence on the state of the NHS during the pandemic, with testimony from former Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan, and former Scottish Health Minister Jeane Freeman. Jim Reed reports.

The Covid Inquiry hears evidence about bed capacity during the pandemic. Chief Executive of NHS England, Amanda Pritchard, explains the decision to open Nightingale Hospitals and their limitations. Jim Reed reports.

The Covid Inquiry continues its examination of the way that the NHS responded to the pandemic. This week Justice Hallett heard from Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England, and Jenny Harries, the former Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, along with senior frontline staff. Jim Reed reports.

Jim Reed reports on another week of evidence at the Covid Inquiry. This week the focus was on those who were shielding during the pandemic and the experience of people with learning disabilities.

The Covid Inquiry looks at how maternity services operated during the pandemic, as well as the experiences of ethnic minority healthcare staff and those shielding. Later in the week Justice Hallett heard testimony about the difficult choices made in intensive care, and the lasting impact on the people who made them. Jim Reed reports.