Bosses left ‘devastated’ by effect on vulnerable
BOSSES at the worst affected care homes in the area have spoken of the ‘devastation’ the Covid pandemic has caused the industry.
Woodlands Care Home, in Poynton, is run by provider MHA and the company’s director of operations Dan Ryan responded to the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC’s) figures.
He said: “Every number in the report from the CQC is a person. They were greatly loved and are sorely missed and those of us who cared for them will always remember them.
“The information regarding people who have died in care homes over the past year demonstrates the scale of devastation which the Covid-19 pandemic has brought upon vulnerable older people and those who work tirelessly to care for them.
“All of us have learned an enormous amount from the early days of the pandemic, following guidance in the enhanced use of personal protective equipment, how testing became such a key tool in spotting asymptomatic cases and how vaccines are now helping reduce instances of serious illness and cut transmission.
“MHA’s experience was that we lost more of our residents in the first wave, compared to the second. Routine testing, clearer guidance and the commencement of the rollout of the vaccine programme made a real difference.
“However, the Kent variant caused significant outbreaks in a number of our homes in the second wave.
“Our priority throughout was the protection and welfare of our residents and colleagues, and we continue to make sure our residents are as safe as possible, following guidance as it is updated and making sure our residents and staff have their vaccinations and continue testing.”
Hollins Park, in Macclesfield, is run by Care UK.
A spokesperson said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with everyone who has been affected by the pandemic. It is important to caveat any figure with the fact that in the early stages of the pandemic we registered all losses of residents with even the mildest symptoms as possible Covid-19 deaths.
“The criteria for how to identify a Covid-19 related death before testing will vary between care home operators and it is possible that we are not comparing like with like.
“Teams in all our homes have worked tirelessly to follow stringent infection control measures and to ensure residents are supported with kind and high-quality care. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication and hard work.”
Councillor Jill Rhodes, chair of Cheshire East Council’s adults and health committee, said: “Care homes and their staff have done their best in the face of incredibly difficult circumstances throughout the pandemic.
“Every death is a tragic loss and I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one as a result of the virus.
“I would also like to thank care sector staff for the care and dedication they have demonstrated and recognise the continued pressure that our health care workers are facing.
“The council has worked tirelessly to provide additional support to local care providers, managing emergency funding, PPE supply, infection control advice and guidance and outbreak management support.”
“Every number ... is a person. They were greatly loved and are sorely missed”