Devon nurse fears losing job due to Covid after-effects

Rachel Hext hopes that statements to the Inquiry from people like her will bring lessons

A nurse fears she will lose her job because of the after-effects of contracting Covid-19.

Rachel Hext, from Paignton in Devon, told the BBC how her life had been changed by the virus.

"I've been disabled for three years and about to lose my job because I'm not well enough to return," she said. "I'm 36 and facing ill-health retirement."

Ms Hext was also among those sharing their pandemic experiences with the UK Covid-19 inquiry in Exeter.

The hearings, which opened in 2022, are expected to conclude in 2026.

The inquiry is set to visit the Exeter Community Centre

Mum-of-two Ms Hext said she hoped lessons could be learned from statements made to inquiry representatives from people like her.

"It's important that they listen to that," she told the BBC.

• Covid inquiry: What is it investigating and how does it work?

• Covid Inquiry: What have we learnt so far?

Drop-in sessions are being held at Exeter Community Centre for people affected by the virus or people can book 30-minute slots online.

Inquiry secretary Ben Connah said: "Each of us has a story to tell about the pandemic.

"Sadly, hundreds of thousands of people lost loved ones, and many more became ill or suffered hardship or isolation. We really want to hear what you have to say."

He told BBC Radio Devon sessions were helping to ensure the "human impact of the pandemic is at the centre of this inquiry".

The inquiry was established to "examine the preparedness for, the response to, and the impact of the pandemic and to learn lessons for the future".

It has since opened seven investigations, with more expected.