ICG Welcomes COVID Inquiry Focus on Care Homes – But Urges Faster Action on Lessons Learned
The Independent Care Group (ICG) has welcomed the next phase of the UK COVID-19 Inquiry, which begins on 30 June and will scrutinise how the pandemic was handled in the care home sector. This phase will examine the response to COVID-19 within adult social care, including the impact on care home residents, staff, and providers.
As the Inquiry turns its attention to this critical area, the ICG is calling for swift, decisive recommendations and, crucially, for them to be acted upon urgently.
The ICG also used the moment to pay tribute to the dedication and bravery of people and social care staff across the country during the pandemic. ICG Chair Mike Padgham said:
“We want to thank all the incredible staff across health and care services who worked through the COVID pandemic. In particular, I want to pay tribute to the social care workers in care homes and delivering domiciliary care, who placed themselves in harm’s way every single day.
Many gave up time with their own families, even lived in care facilities, so they could look after others safely. They put their clients and residents ahead of everything else. That courage and sacrifice should never be forgotten.
We also remember, with great sadness, staff who lost their lives, and all those who died during the pandemic. Our condolences go to their families and loved ones. It was a deeply anxious and traumatic time for so many.”
The ICG, which represents care providers, said that while the COVID Inquiry is welcome and necessary, it must not become a slow-moving exercise in hindsight. Mr Padgham added:
“The Inquiry is costing a great deal of public money, and it must deliver value by reporting much sooner. If we’ve learned anything, we must act now. Sadly, I fear we haven’t learned the lessons and the country is perhaps no more prepared in social care for a future crisis than it was in 2020.
Social care remains a second-class citizen to the NHS; underfunded, under-resourced, and undervalued. We cannot go on like this. The people we care for, and the staff who look after them, deserve so much better.”
During the early stages of the pandemic, social care providers were left without testing, adequate PPE, or clear guidance. The promise of a “protective ring” around care homes, the ICG says, was tragically far from reality.
Mr Padgham said:
“We were told care homes were protected and they weren’t. We were left to cope with discharges from hospitals without testing, without proper PPE, and without the support we desperately needed. If this Inquiry does anything, it must ensure that this never happens again. We must protect the most vulnerable and value the services that care for them.”
The ICG also highlighted the immense value of social care to the fabric of society not just during the pandemic but every day.
“Social care enables millions of people to live with dignity, comfort, and independence. It relieves pressure on the NHS, supports families, and sustains communities. The dedication shown by the workforce during the pandemic demonstrated its vital role, it is time that role was recognised, respected, and properly resourced.”
