NIO advised Brandon Lewis to talk up ‘excellent care’ for first NI Covid patient – despite being told they were getting inferior treatment

Former Secretary of State’s briefing document, revealed at the Covid Inquiry, shows request for military assistance to fly patient to specialist hospital in England was rejected

Former Northern Ireland Secretary of State Sir Brandon Lewis arrives at the Covid Inquiry on Thursday. Pic: Getty

Sam McBride

The Northern Ireland Office advised the Secretary of State to tell the public that Northern Ireland’s first Covid patient was “receiving excellent care” in Belfast — even though it knew doctors believed the individual was getting inferior care.

Among documents published by the Covid Inquiry is a March 2, 2020 situation report which updated Brandon Lewis ahead of a COBR meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.