Thread by @jmemanc

#TestTrackAndTrace is being launched. I'm gathering my thoughts as to how effective it will be:

These thoughts are all my own, and whist a member of @RenewParty they do not necessarily reflect their position.

Hope you enjoy the read.

1/17

We needed ventilators, so we ordered them from a tractor maker & a vacuum maker.
We cancelled the orders when we realised it was easier to order them from ventilator makers.
2/17

We needed large amounts of #PPE to be distributed so we drafted in the Army.
We then realised we didn't have the PPE to be distributed and blamed nurses for using too much of it.
Individuals stared making scrubs from home.
3/17

We ordered #PPE from a random supplier, forgot to do any paperwork for the shipment, and then when it finally turned up, half of it wasn't up to standards.
Individuals started making face shields with 3D printers
4/17

We recruited 750000 volunteers to support the effort, we have utilised less than 4% of volunteers a week.

5/17

We ordered almost 20million #antibodytest kits
They turned out not to work.
Someone then pointed out it was pointless testing for antibodies at that time anyway so needn't have rushed.
6/17

We decided #TestingForCovid19 wasn't really a priority so didn't bother increasing capacity.
We then realised #NHS staff were unable to work because they couldn't get tested.
7/17

We decided #TestingForCovid19 was important after all, so tried to increase our capacity.
As pretty much every other country in the world had put in their order for reagents a fortnight before us, we were at the back of the queue.
8/17

When increasing testing capacity we decided to bypass the local testing infrastructure and set up a brand new system through a small number of hubs.
Local authorities and CCGs were unable to get localised data about the spread of #Covid19UK
9/17

When counting tests, we decided not to get tied up with details like whether it was tests carried out, posted out, or just capacity.
We decided the best way to ensure those who most needed testing got one, was to have the system open to absolutely everyone in the country.
10/17

We decided that residential care (RC) was protected to some extent.
Presumably as a result of the effective distribution of #PPE & testing capacity mentioned earlier.
Staff moved in with their residents as it become obvious to them that RC was not protected after all.
11/17

Sometime later we decided RC was a bit of a risk so allowed staff and residents to get priority testing.
They simply had to get to a test location up to 5 hours drive away.
Eventually we decided to send in the army to provide the tests.
12/17

We developed a track and trace app, which pretty much anyone in IT outside of NHS digital & GDS sniggered at.
It required a large percentage uptake.
After launching on the #IoW we find it only worked on certain phones, wasn't that good & had #privacy issues.
13/17

We are currently considering other options for the app, including using similar approaches other countries are taking - ie don't build it from scratch.
14/17

We developed an alert level & a phased #RoadMapForReopening from lockdown.
Logically these would be linked: the level drops, we move to the next phase.
They aren't.
Knowing the alert level wont tell you if you are allowed to go to #BarnardCastle for an eye test or not.
15/17

Now given the track record, we may be wary bout #TestTrackAndTrace however we have recruited over 20000 brand new staff who are pretty much all working from home. What could go wrong?

16/17

Well, to reassure you, it is being overseen by the former CEO of #TalkTalk.
She gracefully stepped down following the data breach in 2015 resulting in a 400k fine for failings in basic IT security.

So ye, don't pin your hopes on this magical system we have been promised.

17/17