Covid inquiry: Swann denies blanket do-not-resuscitate order

The former health minister also apologised for the way relatives of patients in hospital during the pandemic were “let down” by not getting information about their loved ones.

Giving evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, Mr Swann said it had also been a difficult situation for healthcare staff, who could not always provide updates.

He said there had been weaknesses in the communications systems and in the plans to improve these across health trusts and in hospitals.

“In regards to the staff who were working on wards and being able to provide that up to date information and data in regards to how a loved one… an update on their care on a ward wasn’t always possible on a timely need,” said the former minister.

“On the occasions that that did cause stress, I apologise that we weren’t able to get it right every time.

“There were many wards, many healthcare workers who were providing that care, that information and were able to meet those needs.”

“Could we have done more, could we do more? Yes, knowing what we know now in regards to the additional PPE, testing and all the rest of it,” Mr Swann added.