I have called for full transparency and accountability into the unacceptable levels of deaths taking place in care homes across the country as a result of coronavirus after concerns raised to me in private by anxious staff and families.
People are scared about the spread of coronavirus in our care homes, especially given the heightened risks of catching the virus if you are older or your health is compromised. But I am struggling to see who is actually responsible for ensuring the overall safety of these homes.
I have received reports from worried and concerned family members, and from care staff across the region, about the safety of care homes during this pandemic. Concerns have been raised about testing for staff, about isolation measures not being followed and shortages of PPE.
Both the Care Inspectorate and the local IJBs have a responsibility for ensuring proper standards and safety but it is vital that we know very clear lines of responsibility. This needs to be made fully transparent so we can see what is actually going on and who is taking control of the situation. I have written to local council Chief Executives and Chief Officers of IJBs making this call clear.
There also needs to be more transparency for the plan to roll out testing and other actions that can be taken to help residents be safe in care homes.
