Constance calls for investigation into care home management

An investigation must be launched into the difference in Covid-19 fatality levels in care homes in Scotland depending on their type operator, a former Scottish Government cabinet secretary has said.

Angela Constance, who served in a number of cabinet roles including health and communities secretary, has now written to health secretary Jeane Freeman calling for the findings be published alongside a plan of action.

Care homes have accounted for more than 1,700 coronavirus deaths, almost half of the total deaths in Scotland from the virus. The situation is seen as one of the great failings of the way the crisis has been handled.

Ms Constance is now calling for the Scottish Government to “investigate if there is any differential impact on the number of Covid-19 deaths in care homes across the public, third and private sectors”.

A higher proportion of larger adult care homes have suspected Covid-19 cases, according to the most recent figures published last week.

“As we look to a new life beyond lockdown, there are some fundamental questions to be asked and answered, about how we best care for our most vulnerable yet cherished citizens,” Ms Constance.

“Scottish Government statistics show a clear relationship between the size of the care home and the suspected presence of Covid-19. it will be imperative to interrogate which sector prefers larger care homes and why, as well as a need for transparency about the tragic loss of life in care homes sector by sector. That’s why I have written to the Scottish Government seeking further investigation into care home deaths.

“This pandemic has shone a light on serious concerns about some private care homes and while I would not want to tar all private providers with the same brush, profiteering at the expense of care cannot be tolerated.”

Nicola Sturgeon has already raised concerns over the diverse operating systems in Scotland’s care homes, which see council providers sit alongside private companies and third sector operators.

Ms Freeman said last week there should be a review of social care in light of the devastation caused by coronavirus.

Speaking last week, she said: “I think it is entirely right we review that – if it should be changed, then in what way – and in what way should that be funded.”

Asked about the prospect of a review of the care homes system, Ms Freeman said: “There needs to be a look at the way we currently have that mixed economyofprovisionofsocial care and care homes, where we have the private sector involved, we have the not-forprofit sector involved, third sector charities and their public agencies who are local authorities, whether that is the correct approach going forward.

“I think it is entirely right that we review that and consider whether or not that should be changed, if it should be changed in what way should it be changed and in what way should all of that be funded as it taken forward.”