Jeremy Hunt forced to admit lack of doctors and nurses ahead of pandemic

Under questioning from the TUC at the Covid Public Inquiry today (Wednesday), Jeremy Hunt admitted a lack of doctors, nurses and beds undermined the UK’s resilience when the pandemic struck.

Under cross-examination from Sam Jacobs – the TUC’s legal counsel – Hunt admitted that staffing levels were not at sufficient levels when Covid began.

Commenting on his evidence, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

“The cat is out of the bag. Jeremy Hunt confirmed today what experts have warned from the start.

“Staffing levels in our hospitals were in the danger zone when the pandemic struck. Years of underfunding had hollowed out our public services and their resilience.

“We can never be in this situation again. Our NHS is on its knees – we need urgent investment in services and staff.”