Care Providers Facing Catch 22 Over Visits

Worries over visiting as death rates rise

Care providers are calling for urgent guidance over relative visiting after doubts were cast on the accuracy of tests.

The call comes after latest figures showed another increase in the number of Covid-19 deaths in care and nursing homes.

The Independent Care Group (ICG) says care providers are facing a Catch-22 situation as they prepare for testing to allow relatives to visit.

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “We are in a no-win situation here. On the one hand the death rates are continuing to rise and there are doubts about the accuracy of the Lateral Flow Tests (LFT) the Government wants us to use.

“On the other hand, we do want to enable relatives to be able to visit their loved ones, especially as we approach the festive season.”

Latest figures show that 467 people died from Covid-19 in care and nursing homes in the week up to 20th November – up from 425 the previous week. Some 17,319 people died from Covid19 in care and nursing homes between 28 December and 13 November.

Mr Padgham added: “Numbers are still edging up and we are reaching a critical moment for care providers, with so many things to cope with at once – we need some clarity, and we need it now.”

The ICG represents care providers who look after people in their own homes, in care and nursing homes and extra care housing as well as providing day care and support for those with learning disabilities and mental health problems.