Scottish COVID-19 inquiry|revisited|Rachel Holt|Oct 2023
Disturbing testimony by lawyer Rachel Holt representing families of children with additional support needs.
Warning: Contains harrowing details.
Introduction
The full uninterrupted session by Rachel Holt on the opening day session of the Health and Social care Impact hearings at the Scottish COVID-19 inquiry from October 24th 2023.
Withdrawal of Healthcare Provision
Devastating Impacts
Suicide Attempts
Record Levels of Anxiety
Record Levels of School Absence
Mask Issues
Life-Long Lockdown Harms
‘The Scottish Government’s strategic response to the pandemic caused her previously happy child to attempt to take his own life FIVE TIMES…the child is currently 12 years of age.’’
‘‘In terms of the decisions that the government made their effect on children has been HORRENDOUS. Even during the world wars the schools remained opened.’’
‘‘According to Children’s Health Scotland more children remain off school with anxiety than at any other point in time according to their records.’’
End
Links:
Full video-Scottish COVID-19 inquiry-Youtube-Impact hearing | Health and social care | 24 October 2023 (morning session)
Full statement- https://www.covid19inquiry.scot/sites/default/files/2023-10/SCI-OPNSTN-000010.pdf
Thank you for all you have done and are doing. I can barely watch the videos because it just makes me cry and get even angrier, but I make myself watch to honour the witnesses and you for the trauma you must go through doing what you do, with hardly any recognition. I hope and pray that your work here will one day form evidence for these evil bastards to get prison. What can someone like me do to help? Thanks again. You are a good man🙏
Devastating - yet strangely calm. Actually my own son was 25 in early 2020, an adult with complex needs and autism living with us, and his world - small as it was - crumbled. Its important to look at adults with autism too. He is now finally being seen by psychology services, as he stays up all night, and sleeps all day. He used to have a lively social life - films , concerts, eating out, holidays, gym, family visits - now that has almost all vanished. I agree that this anxiety is probably permanent damage. The lockdowns were the last thing we needed - and of course we all had Covid and it was quite trivial, so this was maximum pain for minimal gain.