Lessons Learned: What To Do Less Of During the Pandemic
Hindsight is a very useful tool, especially when it comes to making informed decisions in the future. During the COVID-19 pandemic, several critical lessons were learned, particularly regarding preparedness, resource management, and public health measures. This article examines these lessons and suggests actions that should be reduced in future to prevent similar crises.
Supply Chain Disruptions and PPE Shortages
About three years before the pandemic, Public Health England (PHE) conducted an exercise that revealed a potential chronic shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the UK. At the time, only 18% of PPE was manufactured in the UK, and the rest was imported. This exposed a significant vulnerability when the pandemic hit, as the Department of Health did nothing to establish a reserve of PPE.
Tragic Choices and Compromises
To make matters worse, PHE advised the government to move patients into care homes without a COVID test, aiming to create more bed spaces for chronic cases. This decision proved to be disastrous, leading to a high number of preventable deaths. Care home residents naturally contracted Norovirus, which required barrier nursing as it does for COVID. However, the care homes were significantly underprepared for this.
Early Mistakes and Consequences
The UK's panic to address the shortfall in PPE led to haste and poor due diligence. The government's inability to manage the situation effectively contributed to the crisis, demonstrating the risks of panic and incompetence in the face of a global pandemic.
Another critical error was lifting the lockdown too early. The idea that eating out to help out would bolster the economy was shortsighted. Instead of gradually increasing human contact, the government encouraged people to socialize, only to contribute to a second lockdown. This highlights the importance of a gradual and strategic approach to reopening.
Finding Solutions for Future Crises
To prevent a recurrence of such crises, several measures should be taken:
Enhancing PPE Production
It is imperative to diversify PPE production. The UK has made significant strides, moving from 18 local manufacturers to 86. However, this number can still be increased to ensure that the country is not solely dependent on imports and can even become a net exporter of PPE. This will provide an additional layer of security and economic benefit.
Drug Manufacturing and Generic Availability
Similarly, drug manufacturing should be diversified. As drugs come off the patent list, generic versions should be produced to provide a safety net for the UK and third-world countries. This not only ensures supply continuity but also supports the economy and global health initiatives.
Establishing Emergency Response Protocols
Lessons learned during the pandemic should be codified in emergency response doctrine. Validated procedures that worked during the crisis should be enshrined and practiced iteratively, incorporating new technological innovations as they become available. This will enhance preparedness and rapid response capabilities.
Ensuring Resilience in Public Services
The review should also consider maintaining public services and ensuring resilience during prolonged periods. Key questions to address include how to keep the police force operational amidst the pandemic's effects, and how to build resilience into the NHS over the long term. Defining essential workers is another crucial aspect that needs attention.
By addressing these critical points, the UK and other countries can better prepare for future pandemics, ensuring not only the safety of their citizens but also the economic stability and long-term sustainability of their public services.