The inquiry’s listening project ‘Let’s Be Heard’, is open now until 31 October, and your experiences will be important in understanding the pandemic’s impact. The Scottish COVID -19 public inquiry was established to examine preparedness for and the response to the pandemic, with a view to learning lessons for the future. You and nursing staff like you have been instrumental in the response to the pandemic and you deserve to have your experience of working during Covid-19 understood.
Commenting on the Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent public inquiry into the handling of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Julie Lamberth, Chair of the Royal College of Nursing Scotland Board said:
“Our members welcome the opportunity this COVID-19 inquiry will present to share their perspective and ensure lessons are learned.
“The inquiry must be accessible and provide the opportunity for the broad spectrum of the nursing profession across health and care to be represented. It is essential that the Scottish government reflects and learns from this pandemic and that the inquiry’s recommendations are made and implemented within an appropriate timetable.”
RCN Associate Director Norman Provan said:
“Since the inquiry was first announced we have continually said that nursing staff expect to be fully involved.
“Nursing staff have questions they want answered. For instance, why were they too often left without adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and why did we go into the pandemic with such a depleted nursing workforce? I would encourage you to come forward to share your experience to ensure the voice of nursing is heard throughout.”
In our response to the inquiry, we will share member experiences and amplify the voice of nursing. The RCN has successfully applied to be a core participant in respect of the Scottish Inquiry, on behalf of our members to ensure your voice is heard throughout. We have appointed Leslie Shand KC as an advocate for nursing staff throughout the Scottish inquiry. Leslie has a wide variety of experience in health-related matters.
The UK COVID-19 public Inquiry will consider the areas within its Terms of Reference across the UK. The Scottish Inquiry will consider devolved responses to the pandemic in areas within its own Terms of Reference.
The devolved responses relate broadly to the areas of education, health, welfare assistance and financial support. Areas which are reserved to the UK Government and Parliament, and therefore within the scope of the UK Inquiry, include social security schemes, immigration and asylum, product safety, health and safety at work and employment rights and duties.
Members wishing to share their views can do so directly via the Inquiry’s listening project 'Let’s Be Heard: Sharing Scotland’s COVID Experience' or via the RCN's online form. More information is available on our Scottish COVID-19 public inquiry webpage.
