Advice and support COVID-19 BMA COVID-19 review The BMA has launched a review into the lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic - from the impact on the medical profession to the NHS and social care systems and public health. There have been over 140,000 deaths from the virus in the UK - the highest number in Western Europe - and thousands more are likely to suffer from its long-term effects for years to come. It is vital that we uncover the reasons why the UK has suffered the highest death toll in Europe as well as the distressing impact on our NHS and its staff. An independent public inquiry into the UK response to COVID-19 will begin in Spring 2022. A public inquiry will begin in Scotland before the end of this year. The BMA believes the public inquiry should start immediately, while memories are fresh in the minds of those who have worked on the frontline. Therefore, in November 2021, we launched our review, focusing on: how well doctors and other healthcare workers were protected from COVID-19 the impact of the pandemic on doctors and other healthcare workers how healthcare was delivered during the pandemic the effectiveness of the public health response to the pandemic and its impact on health systems the wider impact of the pandemic on population health and health inequalities. What the BMA COVID-19 review looks like 1. Call for evidence We will gather evidence from a wide range of health professionals and organisations to identify your experiences whilst working in and dealing with the pandemic. 2. Research and report We will then carry out analysis, identifying learning points and themes for follow-up research. We will communicate these through ‘lessons learned' reports. 3. Influence We will then be in a position to submit robust written and oral evidence to the independent public inquiries, and call on ministers to fight for the profession. Take part in step 1 of the review We have launched two surveys to kick off our learning: one for individual doctors and medical students and another for external organisations and stakeholder groups. Take part in the survey Ultimately this is about learning and preventing catastrophe in the future. We need to act and learn...We should not be waiting to uncover the reasons why the UK has suffered the highest death toll in Europe or the seventh highest in the world as well as the devastating impact on our health service and its staff. BMA council chair, Chaand Nagpaul Read more about the BMA review BMA plans COVID 'lessons learned' inquiry Call for inquiry into handling of COVID pandemic Join the BMA We're here to stand up for your rights, support you in the workplace and champion the medical profession. Join us About the BMA About us Contact us Member benefits Membership FAQs Working at the BMA Shortcuts BMA media centre BMJ BMA Law Venue hire Legal Terms and conditions Acceptable use terms Privacy policy Cookie policy Modern slavery statement Accessibility © British Medical Association 2021 Need help? Chat with us Feedback