We must learn lessons from the pandemic for future outbreaks, says Naughten

THE Government has said it is committed to holding a Covid-19 inquiry before the next general election.

Earlier this month, Taoiseach Simon Harris said that the terms of reference for the inquiry will be published in the coming weeks.

Harris, who was minister for health at the beginning of the ­Covid-19 pandemic, said the inquiry would be “really important”.

It is also expected to include public sessions where people can tell their coronavirus stories to the panel. It should not only scrutinise the decisions made by the Government but also highlight the resilience and adaptability of the nation in an unprecedented global crisis.

Writing in the Irish Sun this week, former Minister and Galway/Roscommon TD Denis Naughten, says lessons must be learned to ensure we are better prepared for the next pandemic.

WITH confirmation from An Taoiseach that Ireland is to proceed with an inquiry into Covid-19, I believe that the over arching objective of this evaluation should be to draw lessons from the pandemic to better prepare for future outbreaks.

With a General Election approaching, it is crucial this evaluation avoids becoming a blame game.

Instead, it should focus on objectively analysing the ­decisions made during the pandemic, acknowledging the limited scientific information available at the time.

This will help us understand the outcomes of these decisions and ensure we don’t repeat past mistakes.

In a submission that I made on behalf of the Regional Group of Independent TDs in response to a request from Government on what should be included in the Terms of Reference of the inquiry, I set out key issues that needed to be addressed as follows:

Honesty in Evaluation

The evaluation should be thorough but not about assigning blame. It is essential to consider the outcomes of policy decisions, particularly regarding nursing homes, the vaccination rollout, and mandatory hotel quarantining.

During the pandemic, the Government had to make tough decisions with limited information, impacting the virus’s spread, the economy, and society. A constructive evaluation should look at these to learn and improve.

Evidence-Based Decision Making

The inquiry must scrutinise the Government’s claim of basing decisions on “the science” and examine the source and quality of that science.

A 2022 study showed that political biases influenced health decisions across Europe, contradicting the stated focus on evidence.

Ireland’s review should identify shortcomings in the evidence presented to the Government and how it was utilised in the decision-making processes. This will help improve future responses, ensuring economic and societal factors are considered.

Recognising Frontline Workers

The evaluation should highlight best practices and the vital role of frontline workers. Many placed themselves and their families at risk to keep the public safe and care for the seriously ill. Recognising their efforts is crucial for understanding the human element of pandemic response.

Exiting the Pandemic

Ireland’s severe and lengthy lockdowns need to be examined in an international context. The World Health Organisation advised that lockdowns should be used sparingly to build capacity for managing the pandemic. Analysing our adherence to this guidance and the implications of prolonged lockdowns is vital for future strategies.

The Regional Group proposed a trauma programme to address aftercare issues post-pandemic. It’s essential to consider the trauma experienced during the pandemic and not just focus on the restrictions period.

Mental Health Impact

The pandemic has increased pressure on mental health services, particularly affecting younger and older people. A detailed evaluation of the impact is necessary, with recommendations on addressing the deterioration in wellbeing.

Emerging evidence shows a rise in antipsychotic drug prescriptions, highlighting the pandemic’s mental health toll.

Impact on Children and Older People

The pandemic disproportionately affected children and older people. The evaluation should consider the long-term implications of restrictions on their health and wellbeing.

Research shows that traumatic events have lasting effects on children’s psychological well-being, impacting their academic, emotional and behavioural development.

Health Services and Delayed Diagnoses

The pandemic led to reduced and delayed presentations of non-Covid illnesses. A detailed analysis across the health service is needed to evaluate the government’s Covid measures’ impact. For instance, cancer diagnoses dropped by 11 per cent in 2020 compared to historic trends, indicating significant healthcare disruptions.

Addressing Disability and Long Covid

Disability and long Covid are critical areas that need separate focus. A national survey revealed over 5 per cent of Irish adults live with long Covid symptoms, affecting daily activities and work capacity. These intertwined issues need thorough examination to understand their long-term effects on society and the economy.

Future Preparedness

Finally, the evaluation should help build on the lessons learnt. The Health Information and Quality Authority emphasises moving away from a “business as usual” approach to address health inequalities post-Covid.

This includes developing a trauma programme, improving pandemic resilience, and maintaining strategic PPE stocks. Additionally, the WHO Pandemic Treaty should be scrutinised to ensure a comprehensive, all-of-society approach to future pandemics.

Conclusion

Ireland’s Covid-19 evaluation must be a constructive exercise focused on learning and improving future responses.

This evaluation will be a vital tool in enhancing our resilience and ensuring a more effective response to future public health crises and we can better prepare for the next pandemic.