Claim SNP ‘is failing care home staff and residents’

CARE home residents and staff are being failed by the SNP, according to Scottish Labour.

Despite being at the epicentre of the Covid-19 pandemic in Scotland, with more than half of all deaths coming from residential homes, data shows that just 65 per cent of workers were tested for the virus last week.

In May, the Scottish Government said it would test every worker once a week.

Now Scottish Labour is calling on the Health Secretary to focus efforts on expanding testing, as well as launching its own consultation on a plan for a National Care Service.

Richard Leonard, Scottish Labour leader, said: “Scotland’s care homes, and those who live and work in them, have been on the frontline of this pandemic.

“It is clear that the Health Secretary fails to understand the urgency of getting this testing carried out and fails to demonstrate the Scottish Government’s appreciation of these workers, who put themselves in harm’s way to care for others.

“In addition, Jeane Freeman must provide the financial support to ensure that any care staff who take the test face no financial penalties. There is no time to lose.

“After this pandemic, we must reshape Scotland’s care service so that care receivers and workers are protected and empowered.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said it had “significantly expanded” the care home testing programme, including the launch of the Social Care Portal and mobile testing units.

She added: “The latest published figures show that more than 34,000 tests were carried out in the week commencing July 10.

“For various reasons, including annual leave, sick leave and rota patterns, around 20% to 30% of care home staff may not be in work to be tested at any one time.”