Outrage of letting the elderly die

WHEN does it get to the point when older people are dispensable?

We are living in an extraordinary time, demanding extraordinary measures.

But if there is one notion that should send a shiver through any civilisation it is that the old can go to the wall because they are the most vulnerable.

In the coronavirus crisis, the country’s care homes are becoming a time bomb.

At least 13 residents have died in care homes in the last few days. Not a high number when compared with the ever rising total, but disproportionate.

It is likely to get far worse without more stringent steps to protect the elderly. Care homes are being neglected in the strategy for battling the virus.

Lack of protective equipment for carers ensures infection can be carried between different homes, exposing some of our most vulnerable to the disease.

The right to care and dignity of life are being denied those who deserve our greatest respect in the physical, mental and emotional twilight of their lives.

Confusion

We are on dangerous ground when the medical profession’s leaders say those less likely to survive will get no treatment.

The Government must act to prevent the contagion raging through care homes.

It must get protective equipment to all carers

It must prevent the movement of unprotected, and possibly infected, agency workers from one care home to another.

Above all, it must implement a thorough testing regime so we know who is infected and isn’t.

Testing is the key to beating the virus and providing an exit map out of the crisis.

But on this, like every critical factor in the management of the crisis, the Government is found wanting. Whether it’s vital ventilators, personal protection equipment, death tolls, testing or help for companies and people in urgent need, action and answers are missing.

The nation’s right to accurate information is frustrated by confusion, false promises and changes, or absence, of strategy.

It pains us to say this at a time of national emergency.

But the Government needs to tighten up its act. Quickly.