City MSP in call for ‘ protective shield’ around care homes
THE human rights of older people in care homes has been neglected during the Covid- 19 pandemic, according to a Glasgow MSP.
Anas Sarwar, Glasgow Labour MSP, called for a “protective shield” to put in place around care homes to protect lives.
Mr Sarwar said: “The sad reality for older people living in care homes is that their human rights seem to have been an afterthought. Almost half of Covid deaths have happened in care homes.”
At the Scottish Parliament, he asked the minister for older people, Christina
McKelvie about older people moved from hospital to homes.
He said: “We knew that those who lived in care homes were the most vulnerable to the virus, yet 47 Covid- positive patients were transferred into care homes.
“We were slow to set up testing, and we still have gaps in testing.
“Instead, we have sometimes demonised healthcare workers.”
He asked: “What role will the minister now play to make sure that we can, as best as possible, put a protective shield around our care homes and protect as many older people’s lives as we can?”
Ms McKelvie said that human rights was at the heart of the Government’s decisions and actions during the pandemic.
She said: “Since the start of the pandemic, our priority has been to save people’s lives, wherever they live.”
Ms McKelvie said legislation protects those receiving care and government has worked with others to ensure rights are protected.
She added: “All our decisions on the Covid- 19 response have been guided by the scientific advice that was available at the time.
“I will also continue to work with all our stakeholders to ensure that their lived experience informs our decision making in future.”