I have listened, in amazement, to the news reports of the Covid Inquiry. I'm appalled that the people in power could have been so callous, and careless, about the health of the nation. I admire the skills of the Government appointed scientists and epidemiologists - but I am horrified that the "Eat Out To Help Out" scheme was launched without consulting them. And that contributed to the spread of the virus, but did very little to help the hospitality industry.
I do not expect everybody to understand the science - but if the man in Number 10 was "bamboozled" by it, why did he not admit that, and allow the ones who did know what they were talking about to make the decisions? All this rubbish about hairdryers up the nose killing the virus. Boasting about shaking hands with everybody And as for the rest of us social distancing, whilst others were partying, and canoodling in cupboards, words fail me. In 1937, the Borough of Southwark opened a public clinic in Walworth. It is really to close to Rosie's home, so I see it whenever I make a London Trip. This was the first London Borough to have the whole of its health services in one, easily accessible building. The buses still stop right outside. And on the front is a plaque, bearing the English translation of **Cicero's Latin statement made 2000 years ago.
On the roof of the building is a fantastic art deco statue representing Public Health. [picture below, details
here] In the first half of the twentieth century, following WW1, Parliament became more active in promoting Public Health. The good works of Victorian philanthropists were built upon, and things got much better, culminating in the Beveridge Report of 1942, and the founding of the NHS in 1948. Healthcare free for all at the point of need.
And now look at us, seventy five years later.
Crumbling hospitals, medical staff working impossibly long hours, a shortage of midwives, and ambulances queuing for hours in hospital carparks.
I accept that a new government cannot instantly repair all the damage - like turning round an oceanliner, it will be a slow process - but surely we can do better than this?
It wasn't much better on this side of the pond, either, Angela.
ReplyDeleteIt was a hard, sad time everywhere I think.
DeleteI listened to a lot of the covid enquiry live yesterday with Prof Chris Whitty giving his evidence. The 'science' didn't seem overly difficult to understand when he explained it so clearly. I'd always thought one had to have above average intelligence, and a sense of public service to work as an MP. Nowadays it appears to be more about ambition, and then getting - and keeping - 'the top job'.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad
DeleteLove the plaque - the Robert Harris trilogy on Cicero is a fantastic story. I heard a blood chilling comment yesterday from someone who is very senior in a hospital - don’t go into hospital this winter - it is dangerously understaffed. What a terrible state of affairs.
ReplyDeleteChristine
Thank you for recommending the Robert Harris trilogy. I've not read that , but enjoyed his other stuff
DeleteI hope so! Things seem very gloomy at the moment- to put it mildly! Kx
ReplyDeleteLet us try and remain bright and cheerful, Kezzie
DeleteWell said Angela. Like you, I am absolutely incensed when I hear what was really going on during Covid. Sadly a lot of it does not surprise me. and I dont think that 'He' in no 10 could ever admit that he didnt quite understand . It's all a mess and I have no idea how it can be put right.
ReplyDeleteIt is especially hard for those who watched loved ones suffering - often at a distance.
DeleteI am shocked when I hear the statements at the COVID enquiry. Shocked but not really surprised somehow. Boris Johnson as PM? Really? A man who had been sacked from jobs for lying and had cheated on his wife.
ReplyDeleteI wrote a lot of blog posts during 2020 that called out much of what was being done ( or not being done), and the mistakes that I, as an ordinary person, thought were glaringly obvious. They were reactive, rather than proactive, always behind the game, despite us having the advantage of seeing what was happening in countries that were affected before we were. I had numerous people tell me that was not the time to question things. I thought it was exactly the time, as people were dying in their thousands. Sadly, having watched a fair amount of the enquiry, it's worse than I imagined.
ReplyDelete😢
DeleteUnfortunately, all of the previous pandemic planning was thrown out in the March 2020 panic in favour of "lockdown" - a strategy that had previously been described as useless and hugely damaging. As for "The Science" - real science is not about consensus, but about discussion and exploration, and with an evolving viral epidemic it was never "settled".
ReplyDeleteWith the benefit of hindsight, Sweden came closer to a better handling than many other countries.
Also, no-one seemed to take any notice of the fate of the Diamond Princess cruise liner. Here one had a closed environment that showed that only a relatively small percentage of individuals were actually at significant risk from the virus.
Some interesting points, Will, thank you
DeleteWorsening healthcare is all too true in many parts of the world. What a shame Cicero's words weren't heeded.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
😢👍
DeleteWe followed the shocking behaviour of BoJo and his crew and were saddened. But all was not rosy here across the pond. The pandemic revealed glaring deficiencies in our health system especially in long term care facilities. Currently we have a shortage of medical staff at all levels. We need to up-qualify immigrant doctors who are experienced but are driving taxis while we decide if they should work in their field. As for Covid, after being super cautious for 3 years, I've now managed to catch it!
ReplyDeleteGet well soon!
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