PM’s Comments On Care Homes ‘Neither Accurate Nor Welcome’
Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused some care homes of not properly following the procedures during the coronavirus crisis during his visit to Goole this afternoon. He’s recorded to have stated:
“One of the things the crisis has shown is we need to think about how we organise our social care package better and how we make sure we look after people better who are in social care,” he said during a visit to Goole.
“We discovered too many care homes didn’t really follow the procedures in the way that they could have but we’re learning lessons the whole time
“Most important is to fund them properly… but we will also be looking at ways to make sure the care sector long term is properly organised and supported.”
Vic Rayner, Executive Director of the National Care Forum, the leading representative body for the not-for-profit social care sector says:
“I am very pleased to hear the prime minister recognise the need to increase the funding to the care sector. It is essential that the government looks at speed at the reform of the social care funding regime, and that we reflect at pace on what is needed for a responsive and flexible funding system that meets the true costs of care.”
“However, Mr Johnson’s comments in relation to care home’ following of procedures are neither accurate nor welcome. Government guidance has come to the sector in stops and starts – with organisations grappling with over 100 pieces of additional guidance in the same number of days, much of which was not accompanied by an understanding of the operational implications of operating care services. Care providers have moved to adopt these new procedures consistently, at pace and with integrity. Virtues that have ensured that the quality of care has retained high, and the safety of those receiving care has been the number one priority. He is right that organisations need more support from government, but that support needs to start with him recognising the vital work of the sector, and turning the dial up on reform, and down on blame. “
