The BMA in Scotland has warned that action must be taken now to protect the NHS and its workforce in any future pandemic.

BMA Scotland chair Dr Nóra Murray-Cavanagh was speaking today as the Scottish Covid-19 inquiry published its latest report, which focuses on access to health and social care, and on the voices of service users, families, and professionals.

The report highlights the toll the pandemic took on health services in Scotland, in particular its staff, said Dr Murray-Cavanagh. 

‘The issues the report raises echo many of those which we highlighted in our evidence to the inquiry. Any pandemic or health crisis is likely to put health systems under enormous strain, but the extent of the impact on both patients and healthcare workers was not inevitable and it is vital we learn lessons so that Scotland’s NHS and its workforce are far better protected and supported next time round.’

The inquiry heard from patients, service users and families, and staff via its ‘Let’s Be Heard’ public participation project, which aims to give people the opportunity to share their experiences and the lessons they believe should be learned.

Respondents described reduced access to primary and secondary care, which damaged their trust in the NHS, and staff reported increased workplace pressures, including long hours, limited planning, and inadequate PPE.

In secondary care, staff described a lasting impact on their mental health due to high workload, repeated exposure to death, and limited managerial support.

Healthcare workers also reported conflicting guidance and difficulties balancing work and childcare responsibilities.

Dr Murray-Cavanagh said: ‘We know there was a huge impact on the physical and mental health of doctors, and the report demonstrates the stark reality of working through the pandemic and the associated burnout, trauma and stress. 

The impact of long Covid is also particularly highlighted – including in some cases ending careers – and it underlines how vital it is that there is proper, fully evidence-based protection of staff and drastically improved wellbeing support, focusing on mental and physical health, in any future pandemic.’

She said future planning must address having adequate protection in place for doctors and other healthcare workers following the experiences of PPE shortages and inadequate PPE during the Covid pandemic. 

‘While simple availability of equipment should be part of this, it must also address the fact that PPE often didn’t properly fit women or doctors from ethnic minorities, and the fact that evidence of airborne transmission wasn’t properly reflected in the advice given to staff and the protective equipment that was provided,’ she added. 

‘The disproportionate impact of the pandemic on certain groups, for example healthcare workers from ethnic minority backgrounds, must also be addressed when considering the future NHS response.’

Dr Murray-Cavanagh said the inquiry’s findings emphasised the need for an NHS in Scotland that is properly staffed and resourced so that it is better able to cope, not only with everyday pressures, but be more resilient to any pandemic or health crisis in the future. 

‘Every single doctor and all of their colleagues who went to work during the pandemic, at considerable risk to themselves and their families, deserve to and indeed must have their voices heard as we seek to learn lessons. 

‘Today’s report is an important part of that process and we look forward to the Scottish inquiry continuing its work.’