BRI worker who lost father to Covid-19 'needed to move on'

The second round of Covid inquiry public hearings, focusing on the response of central government and how ministers made decisions, began last week.

Latest figures show 228,448 people across the UK have died with Covid-19 on their death certificate by date registered.

This included 1,949 in Bradford - that's 360 per 100,000 people in the area.

Bradford Council said the figures show "just how dangerous the disease can be".

One of those people who sadly passed away from the virus in the city was Jude Greaves-Newall's father Allan Newall, of Greengates.

Allan's death on April 9, 2020, came a month after his wife, of almost 50 years, and Jude's mother Barbara died from pulmonary fibrosis.

Jude was also working as an advanced clinical practitioner in A&E at the BRI when the pandemic was at its peak.

All of it had a "really serious impact" on Jude's life. So much so, that she moved to Scotland after switching jobs earlier this year. 

"I have just completely left it all behind me," she told the Telegraph & Argus.

"It (the pandemic) opened our eyes about getting a better quality of life.

"We needed to do something as a family to move on from where we were and what had been."

During that period, Jude took time off work as she battled with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"I had mental health problems because of everything," she added.

"A&E was getting quite challenging. I became more sensitive when I went back to work.

"I felt I could not move on from the difficult scenario, I was really attached to it.

"Moving up here (to Scotland) has been a big change from all of that."

It was around this time four years ago that Jude and her colleagues were first being informed about what was on its way.

The government's response during the pandemic left her angry and furious.

Jude hopes lessons can be learned from the Covid inquiry but will never forget what happened.

She said: "I felt really let down and disappointed.

"I listened to what they said and followed (the guidance) what they were saying.

"When it all came out, I was completely disgusted."

Jude added: "I wanted the inquiry, but I don't really want to hear the detail.

"I lived through a lot of it. I know what it was like. When the report comes out, I will read the summary.

"It can't change what happened. It won't bring my dad back and make the experiences I had in A&E go away."

Dominic Cummings, who was Mr Johnson’s top adviser, and Lee Cain, the former director of communications for No 10, were questioned on Tuesday, while Helen MacNamara, who served as deputy cabinet secretary and ethics chief, and Professor David Halpern, who headed up the Behavioural Insights Team, provided evidence on Wednesday.

Each exposed the Government's poor preparedness and ill decision-making in dealing with the pandemic, leading to more deaths than necessary.

Judith Cummins MP (Bradford South) feels the inquiry shows clear direction and leadership at the top was missing during the pandemic.

She said: "There is not a day that goes by when those lost to Covid-19 are not in our thoughts.

"This Covid inquiry is ongoing, however, already we are seeing just how chaotic the government was at this crucial time for the country.

"Just when the people needed an ordered government most, it appears that clear direction and leadership at the top was missing."

A spokesperson for Bradford Council said: “We offer our deepest sympathies for the families of those who have lost their lives to Covid-19 since 2020. 

“These figures show just how dangerous this disease can be.

"We urge eligible people such as those over 65, pregnant women and people with long-term health conditions to get vaccinated if they haven’t already done so.

"Over the coming weeks, pop-up vaccine clinics will be outside mosques, supermarkets, community centres and shopping centres.

"With walk-in opportunities and online bookings available on the NHS website or by calling 119, we are hoping more people than ever will come forward and get protected over winter.”