Inside the NPHET meeting today as a decision made on pubs, restaurants and how Ireland leaves the lockdown

It seems incredible now that nine months ago most of us had never heard of the National Public Health Emergency Team of Ireland (NPHET).

Now the team, led by the indomitable Dr. Tony Holohan, plays a huge role in our daily lives, amid the country’s ongoing battle with Covid-19.

The government could insist to anyone who hears that it makes the decisions about the coronavirus, but it is clear that NPHET plays a huge role in the process.

But how much do we really know about the team?

Every day we hear from Dr. Holohan, the country’s chief medical officer, as well as his loyal deputy, Dr. Ronan Glynn, with updates on case numbers and warnings about our behavior.

However, what many of us don’t know is that NPHET actually comprises a large group of physicians, public health experts, and communications officers.

It is much larger than the duo of Dr. Holohan and Dr. Glynn, and its reach extends to hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country.

Intrigued? This is everything you need to know about NPHET.

When was NPHET created and why?

NPHET is a group that exists within the Department of Health, which can be created by the Minister of Health if deemed necessary.

NPHET, in its current version, was created on January 27, 2020, as government officials became increasingly concerned about the spread of a new virus called Covid-19.

So we knew little about the virus, beyond the fact that it appeared to have originated in China, and there was little in the way of mass panic over it.

NPHET’s role, at the time of its inception, was to help the Government coordinate Ireland’s healthcare sector response to the virus.

Almost a year later, its influence has evolved as Ireland has faced the impacts of a medical crisis unprecedented in its nature and scale.

How many NPHET members are there and who are they?

When we think of NPHET, most of us picture our Medical Director and the daily press conferences telling us how many cases we have recorded each night.

What we do not think about is a team of more than 30 people, of different origins and with different opinions.

NPHET is a huge body, and it has grown in both numerical size and stature throughout the pandemic.

It now includes more than 30 medical experts, scientists, and public officials, and the meetings are conducted via video calls.

Those chosen by NPHET include several HSE officials, some medical consultants, and scientific experts who advise on graphics and modeling.

If you want to know exactly who is on the team, you can take a look at their meeting minutes, which include a full list of team members.

What does NPHET discuss in its meetings?

NPHET meetings generally begin with updates on any issues that arise from the previous group meeting.

For example, at their meeting on October 29, members were reminded of a new confidentiality statement that they had been asked to sign.

The week before, the NPHET meeting began on the same basis, with a discussion about the importance of confidentiality amid a series of leaks from both politicians and health officials.

After addressing the issues that arise, NPHET, whose meetings are chaired by Dr. Holohan, typically hears an epidemiological update that presents a glut of information on the situation in Ireland and abroad.

Then they are brass studs, as the body discusses what steps Ireland can take in its Covid-19 battle.

What is the outcome of an NPHET meeting?

As the Government frequently reminds us, NPHET’s job is to advise, not set policy. But when public health issues are issue number one for so long, it can be difficult to determine the point at which proposals become policy.

After each meeting, NPHET sends its recommendations by letter to the Minister of Health, at which point the Government attempts to address the advice of the agency.

Today, for example, it seems likely that NPHET will push for a cautious lifting of restrictions in December, at a speed that may not please government officials or the cacophony of lobbyists yelling in their ear.

Letters from the Medical Director to the Minister of Health are posted online and can be viewed by anyone.

Is NPHET controversial? If so, why?

When it comes to unprecedented circumstances, disagreement and debate are inevitable, which may explain some of the disputes between public health officials and the state in recent months.

Still, it has at times seemed like the Government and NPHET are worlds apart when it comes to strategy, and the public relations battle between the two is endlessly fascinating.

The government often seems resentful of the pressure NPHET is putting on it, always aware that ignoring health advice is a game that is as risky as it sounds.

NPHET’s job is just to advise, but such advice is not always welcomed by those who receive it.