Responding to the publication by the government of the draft terms of reference for the forthcoming public inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson said:

"Trust leaders will welcome the publication today of the draft terms of reference for the COVID-19 inquiry.

"It is important and right that the inquiry scrutinises the impact of the pandemic in England, and the response of the health and care sector.

"We owe this to the families of those who lost loved ones and the dedicated NHS staff who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic providing care in incredibly challenging circumstances, often putting themselves at personal risk and tragically in some cases, sacrificing their own lives.

"We know that while there is much the NHS did well during the pandemic, it is right that the inquiry looks at areas where there were major challenges such as infection prevention and control, access to PPE, testing and robust epidemiological modelling.

"We are also pleased the draft terms indicate that the inquiry will explore the nation's preparedness, initial capacity, and resilience ahead of, and during the pandemic, and the important focus on inequalities."