My views on test and trace @bmj_latest - govt wasted valuable time and tried to run everything through @DHSCgovuk @PHE_uk instead of using expertise in LAs and DsPH (1) https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2020/05/27/chris-ham-test-and-trace-strategy-must-value-local-leadership-to-be-a-success/

Plans put in place by @didoharding @tomriordan @BWCHBoss in last 2 weeks are welcome in recognising role of local leaders in NHS and LAs and providing more funding but this is happening late in the day (2)

Test and trace is a vital but hugely complex programme that requires time and excellent execution to provide the protection the public need and expect - not something govts do well (3)

The 'world beating' programme promised by the PM will not be in place tomorrow and will be created in coming weeks by @jimmcmanusph @KateAlvanley and their peers across the country in partnership with national leaders (4)

Many practical issues must be resolved: carrying out sufficient tests, reporting results rapidly, and sharing results with local authorities and GPs (5)

Effective contact tracing will depend on clarity of roles between 25,000 people hired nationally, experienced LA staff and volunteers, and @PHE_uk (6)

All of this is happening at the same time the lockdown is being relaxed and before we can be confident that an effective test and trace system is in place - with obvious risks for our health (7)

Much hinges on people being willing to self-isolate when tested positive or identified as contacts of those who have - recent events have made this much more challenging (8)

The govt should stop trying to run everything, trust local NHS and LA leaders, avoid siloed thinking, and draw on different perspectives in a 'team of teams (9)