Call For Support For Care As Covid-19 Deaths Jump
Almost 1,000 die in care and nursing homes
Care providers today called for greater support as figures showed that almost 1,000 people died in care and nursing homes in one week.
Latest figures show that 960 people died from Covid-19 in care and nursing homes in the week up to 8th January – a leap from 560 the previous week. Some 21,621 people died from Covid19 in care and nursing homes between 28th December 2019 and 8th January.
The shock figures have prompted leaders to call for greater and urgent support for the care sector.
The Independent Care Group (ICG) says the vaccine now being given to vulnerable people in care settings is not an overnight solution to the pandemic.
ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “Today’s awful figures show us that Covid-19 is still taking a terrible toll in our care and nursing homes. Each statistic is the death of a loved one – a parent, a wife, a husband, an aunt, uncle or friend and our thoughts go out to everyone who has lost someone to Covid-19.
“We have to keep up the pressure – keep the momentum on the vaccination programme and, as a society, keep observing the rules.”
He said today’s figures showed how vital it was that the extra £120m announced by the Government yesterday to support care staffing levels gets to the front line as soon as possible.
The ICG has welcomed news that care and nursing homes that become Designated Settings for the discharge of Covid-19 patients from hospital are to be indemnified by the Government against legal claims.
“This is a positive move, “Mr Padgham added. “The devil of course is in the detail and we fear that this action does not go far enough, in covering all care and nursing homes against legal action brought about through Covid-19 deaths, an indemnity currently enjoyed by NHS care providers.”
