‘Slap in the face’ from PM as 405 die in care homes
The number of people dying with Covid-19 in care homes across the county has passed 400.
New figures released on Tuesday reveal deaths in such facilities now account for more than a quarter of the total recorded in Kent since the pandemic began. The statistics were published just hours after Boris Johnson blamed the high numbers dying nationally on “too many” care providers failing to follow health guidelines.
Nadra Ahmed, the chair of the National Care Association, based in Medway, has demanded the Prime Minister apologise for his comments.
She says he should retract the “ill-judged”remark, which has sparked anger from those within the social care sector who have been accused of not adhering to procedures.
Describing his accusation as “a huge insult”, Ms Ahmed said: “To think they have stood clapping for the NHS and social care and then use the same hands to slap the faces of social carers is absolutely appalling.” Ms Ahmed went on to say it was not the sector’s fault that PPE was not initially available, and that staff shortages had not been addressed for a decade. She added: “When you think of some of the mistakes that have been made, I am absolutely stunned that he has made those comments and he should retract them.
“To hear this from the Prime
Minister, it’s appalling and disheartening for those in the sector who have worked so hard to deliver the care they have done. Our workforce is exhausted.” Ms Ahmed stressed that care providers had followed guidelines and that, initially, those issued by the government had been wrong, including sending patients back to care homes from hospital.
She also accused the government of making decisions too late, saying care homes had been shutting down and going into isolation before being told to.
It comes as the Care England, the largest body representing independent care homes, accused the government of dragging its feet over issuing new guidance for visitors to care homes.
In Kent, more people have died in care homes in Ashford than anywhere else, with 56 deaths recorded in the borough. But there is a vast difference across the county in terms of where people have lost their lives. In Tunbridge Wells, 59% of all Covid-19 deaths have been recorded in care homes, while in Gravesham this number plummets to 8%.
As of June 26, 1,507 people had died with Covid-19 across Kent 405 of them in care homes.