HOSPITAL bosses are preparing for the Covid-19 public inquiry.

The inquiry, which will examine the government's handling of the pandemic, is set to be held in 2023.

And bosses at the Morecambe Bay NHS trust are working to make sure evidence that could be used for the inquiry is retained.

Senior staff who are leaving the trust are also being kept track of to ensure records are transferred.

The trust has already been advised to make sure staff emails, texts and logs books are kept for the inquiry.

A report for the trust's board of director said: "Nationally, preparations for the inquiry are underway and both national and regional teams have been established.

"The inquiry team is creating a plan to support the wider NHS system in its preparation for the inquiry.

"UHMBT have recorded our interest and contact details to ensure that we are connected to the Regional Team to cascade developments.

"Work is underway to keep track of any senior staff/key individuals who are leaving the organisation – gather contact details and ensure records are transferred before they leave."

The trust has identified key staff to act as points of contact ahead of the inquiry.

A digital archive for storing documents and statements that could be relevant to the inquiry has already been created.

The trust oversees Furness General Hospital in Barrow, Westmorland General in Kendal and the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

The Government said the inquiry would look into the UK’s pandemic response to ensure 'we learn the right lessons for the future'.

The public inquiry will examine preparedness, the public health response to the pandemic, the response in the health and care sector and the country's economic response.

Announcing the draft terms of reference, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said: “The importance of the inquiry working to understand the experiences of those most affected by the pandemic – including bereaved families – as well as looking at any disparities evident in the impact of the pandemic and our response.”

Public hearings are due to be held from 2023 onwards.

Retired judge Baroness Heather Hallett has been appointed as chair of the inquiry.