The UK Covid-19 Inquiry held its final scheduled public hearings this week to assess the pandemic's effects on society. Witnesses from Northern Ireland described profound and ongoing harm from losing relatives during the crisis.

Glen Grundle from Coleraine told the inquiry that he and fellow bereaved relatives suffer damage that cannot be fixed. His mother, Milda Grundle, aged 73, died in April 2020. Grundle represents the Northern Ireland Covid Bereaved Families for Justice group. He stated that separation from family members in their final days caused deep emotional rifts. Grundle sleeps poorly and feels indifferent about waking each morning. He and others in his group face both mental strain and physical health problems.

Grundle recounted arguing with a hospital consultant against placing a do-not-resuscitate order on his mother. The consultant judged her quality of life poor because she required a hoist and carers. A nurse also urged Grundle to opt for cremation of his mother's body. Group members reported receiving inaccurate information from healthcare staff. Many now avoid medical professionals due to poor treatment following their relatives' deaths.

Marie McArdle gave evidence about her mother, Ann McIvor, aged 80, from Moneymore in County Londonderry. McIvor died at Antrim Area Hospital in May 2020. McArdle accepted an apology from First Minister Michelle O'Neill over attendance at republican Bobby Storey's funeral. O'Neill first refused to apologise for visiting a friend's service but later expressed regret for the pain inflicted. McArdle urged steps to enact inquiry recommendations, including allowing care partners to stay with hospital patients.