Issue 138 08.03.23
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Covid scandal is exposed in messages LEAKED messages appear to prove that vulnerable care home residents were betrayed by the Government during the Covid-19 pandemic, campaigners have said. Reports say that then Health Secretary Matt Hancock did not implement the advice of the Chief Medical Officer that everyone going into a care home should be tested for the virus. Instead he made it mandatory only for those going into a care home from hospital, the reports say. The Independent Care Group said that decision may have contributed to devastation in care homes during the pandemic. Chair Mike Padgham added: “At face value, these messages seem to expose a tragic betrayal of those most vulnerable to the Covid-19 pandemic. “We can only guess how many lives were lost because the spread of the virus in care and nursing homes was not prevented sooner. “The cavalier attitude being taken towards care settings makes a nonsense of the claims that the Government was throwing “a protective ring” around care homes. It was doing anything but.” The ICG believes the Government was slow to see the risk to care home residents
in the first place. “At the outset we were told we didn’t need to do anything differently,” Mike added. “Then we had the panic of people being discharged from over-run hospitals into care homes without testing and here we have the evidence that the health secretary ignored advice that would have helped. “As ever, social care was badly let down and the care of the most vulnerable seriously betrayed. There are some very serious questions to be answered.” Mike said the Government had to restore confidence in its handling of social care by providing the reform the sector urgently needs. “Many care providers will be reading today’s reports and feeling once again that the Government doesn’t care about care,” he added. “I think the only way the Government can start to rebuild trust is to get on with the reform of care and help us to end the crisis which was made so much worse by the impact of the pandemic.” Figures from CSI Market Intelligence recently revealed that 247 homes closed during 2022 whilst just 123 new ones opened. That left the sector with a net loss of 124 homes and, according to the report, a loss of 230 care beds.
Millway House in Andover enjoyed a visit from a donkey called Charlie. The furry visitor from Kelly’s Donkeys travelled from his home in Somerset to meet the residents at the nurse-led care home in Weyhill, and everyone couldn’t wait to lavish the loveable animal with attention. Used to trotting into care homes in the area for animal therapy sessions, Charlie was taken around Millway to interact with residents. He even visited each of the home’s three floors, via the lift, to say hello to those who are either bed bound or were reluctant to leave their rooms.
Tattoo raises funds for care charity THE Birmingham International Tattoo has raised £8,437 for Royal Star & Garter. The total came through the support of the audience at the military spectacular, which took place at the Resorts World Arena. The charity has been one of the Birmingham International Tattoo’s chosen charities since 2007. During that time more than £126,000 has been raised for Royal Star & Garter. Residents and staff from the Solihull home attended the Tattoo, which was the first since the Covid pandemic, and had been postponed in September 2022 following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Royal Star & Garter chief executive Andy Cole said: “After so long away it was great to be back at the Birmingham International Tattoo. “I’d like to thank the organisers for
supporting Royal Star & Garter again this year, the volunteers who helped us, and all those who gave so generously. The money will make a real difference to the lives of the veterans we care for.” The money for the Royal Star & Garter was raised through a bucket collection, programme sales, online donations and contactless payments on the day. Volunteers, including those from Warwickshire and West Midlands Armed Cadets Force and Co-op Funeralcare branches in Wednesbury and Wednesfield, also helped fundraise and run the Royal Star & Garter stall. The two-day event included marching bands from across the UK and Europe, displays and all the military pomp and ceremony associated with the prestigious annual Birmingham International Tattoo.
Book a demonstration today by calling 01925 386800 or visit www.carebeans.co.uk