Report by Professor Anne-Maree Farrell published by Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry

A report authored by Edinburgh Law School’s Professor Anne-Maree Farrell examining the provision of health and social care services as part of Scotland’s strategic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has today been published by the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry in their Introductory Academic Research. 

The commissioned report presented the findings from Prof Farrell’s report to the Chair and Counsel assisting the Inquiry, which has formed part of decision-making about the shape and direction of investigations in line with its Terms of Reference. Specific areas covered in the report included the management of the risk posed to residents in care and nursing homes; the transfer of residents to or from homes, treatment and care of residents, restrictions on visiting, infection prevention and control, and inspections; the provision of health and social care services, including the management and support of staff; the delivery of end of life care, including the use of DNACPR (do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation decisions).

Professor Anne-Maree Farrell was assisted by research associate, Ms Rhiannon Frowde, who is a graduate of Edinburgh Law School’s LLM in Medical Law and Ethics, and is listed as a co-author on the report.

The Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry has been established to investigate aspects of the devolved strategic response to the pandemic. Its investigation will be in the fields of health, education and support as set out in its Terms of Reference. The Inquiry will provide a factual record of key elements of the strategic handling of the pandemic, and it will make recommendations, based on the lessons learned. As part of the planning process, scoping research was commissioned to assist the Inquiry with its initial planning about where to direct detailed investigations. 

Professor Farrell’s report can be accessed on the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry website
 
Further details about the work of the Scottish Covid-19 inquiry can be found on their website