UK Government pandemic preparedness strategy
The Institute of Biomedical Science welcomes the publication of the UK Government’s Pandemic Preparedness Strategy and the clear evidence that lessons from COVID-19 have informed its approach.
The strategy sets out a whole-of-government, whole-of-society plan to strengthen readiness to 2030, backed by around £1 billion in health protection investment, alongside longer-term investment in research infrastructure including the new biosecurity centre in Harlow.
It is particularly positive to see a broader and more realistic model of preparedness. The strategy moves beyond assumptions based on pandemic influenza alone and sets out preparedness across the five main routes of disease transmission.
It also adopts a One Health approach, strengthens the role of scientific advice, and recognises the value of wider research, development, horizon scanning and surveillance in identifying and understanding future threats. Commitments on the Diagnostic Accelerator, genomic sequencing, metagenomics and stronger data-sharing point to a more considered and more responsive system.
The strategy also gives important recognition to the standing capacity and capability that already exists across medical laboratories. In particular, the commitment to develop scalable assays for use in NHS laboratories, better integrate UKHSA and NHS laboratories, adopt more automation, and use joint planning with clear triggers, roles and responsibilities is a significant step.
It reflects the fact that pandemic testing capacity should be built on the expertise and regulated services already in place across NHS and public health laboratories, rather than treated as something separate from them.
There is also much to welcome in the strategy’s focus on resilience. Commitments on securing critical testing equipment and consumables, improving onshore manufacturing capacity, preparing prioritisation models for testing when supply is limited, developing a reserve scientific workforce, and strengthening workforce flexibility should all support a faster and more effective response.
Just as importantly, the strategy recognises that preparedness depends on strong routine services, including infection management, screening and continuity of care during a pandemic.
IBMS Chief Executive David Wells said:
It is encouraging to see that a number of the lessons from COVID-19 have been reflected in this strategy. The stronger focus on scientific advice, horizon scanning, surveillance, diagnostic development, workforce resilience and supply chain security is welcome and shows a more mature approach to preparedness.
“This matters not only for future emergencies, but for the resilience of health services more broadly. High-quality, regulated diagnostic services protect the public every day. The same standard should underpin pandemic planning, so that when pressure increases the system can respond quickly, safely and equitably.
IBMS President Dr Sarah Pitt said:
One of the most important aspects of this strategy is the recognition that the UK should build on the capacity and expertise that already exists across UKHSA and NHS laboratories. The commitment to develop scalable tests for use in NHS laboratories, improve integration between laboratory services, and support joint planning for mobilisation is a very important step.
“Biomedical scientists were central to the COVID-19 response, and that expertise remains in place across regulated laboratory services throughout the health system. With the right support, training, connectivity and coordination, those services can scale effectively in a future pandemic while continuing to protect patient care.
The IBMS stands ready to support government, UKHSA, NHS England and partners in delivering these commitments and ensuring that biomedical scientists and laboratory services are fully embedded in future preparedness planning.