Covid-19 Inquiry Module 3: NHS Came Close to Collapse During Pandemic

20/03/2026

The Covid-19 Inquiry’s Module 3 report concludes that the NHS came perilously close to failing during the pandemic, managing to endure only through the extraordinary commitment of its workforce.

Published on 19 March 2026 by Inquiry Chair Baroness Heather Hallett, the report presents key findings from Module 3, which examined how healthcare systems across the UK were affected by Covid-19.

It finds that the country entered the pandemic insufficiently prepared, with already stretched health services left vulnerable. As a result, the consequences of the virus were severe and far-reaching.

Alice Hands acted as junior counsel in Module 3 of the UK COVID-19 Inquiry