The upcoming inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic will delve into its profound effects on care services, particularly those serving the elderly and disabled communities. Set to commence on Monday, this exploration comes as a critical moment for bereaved families who have long awaited accountability for what they view as a catastrophic failure in the management of care homes during the pandemic.
The impact of the virus on care homes was nothing short of devastating; by January 2022, approximately 46,000 residents in England and Wales succumbed to Covid-19, with many of the deaths occurring in the early weeks of the pandemic. This grave statistic has prompted questions about the decisions made by healthcare authorities, especially during the chaotic early months when little was known about the virus and its transmission.
The inquiry is particularly important to the families of Covid victims, who seek transparency regarding key decisions made during the crisis, such as the rapid discharge of patients from hospitals back into care homes in March 2020. This policy is believed to have contributed significantly to the spread of Covid-19 within these vulnerable environments. Furthermore, families are levying accusations against the medical authorities for imposing blanket “do not resuscitate” orders on some residents without proper consultations, as well as enforcing visitor restrictions that prolonged separations at a time of heightened need for emotional support.
Maureen Lewis, manager of St Ives Lodge care home in Northeast London, reflects on the early pandemic days as particularly harrowing. When BBC News visited her facility in April 2020, the atmosphere was grim. Staff shrouded in protective gear were battling against the virus while the home grappled with the devastating reality of losing residents to Covid-19; six lives were lost in just a week. Lewis recalls those days—marked by fear, uncertainty, and a lack of guidance—emphasizing the emotional toll taken on both staff and residents.
In stark contrast, a recent visit showcased a different scene altogether: residents busily engaging in colorful collage-making, illustrating that, while the scars of the past remain, some semblance of normalcy has returned to their lives. However, the trauma of the earlier experience weighs heavily on Lewis as she acknowledges that many in the care sector felt abandoned by the government during that critical period. The struggle to secure essential PPE and support for end-of-life care amidst governmental silence was a persistent source of frustration.
The inquiry seeks to address these issues, demanding accountability from those in power. Lewis expresses her outrage at the former Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock, particularly criticizing his statement about creating a “protective ring” around care homes, which she argues never materialized. She hopes that the findings will honor the memories of those who perished and prevent similar failures in the future.
Meanwhile, Jean Adamson, mourning her father Aldrick who died in April 2020, echoes similar concerns surrounding the care home discharge policies. Following advice from the NHS to clear hospital beds, many individuals were sent back to care homes without being tested for Covid-19, leading to significant outbreaks in these facilities. Adamson’s experience of being barred from saying goodbye to her father has left an indelible mark on her, fueling her advocacy for the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK campaign.
The upcoming inquiry promises to shed light on the myriad of issues faced by care homes, including visiting restrictions that isolated residents from their families, and the controversial use of DNR orders. Adamson, alongside families like hers, is keen to understand the motivations behind policy decisions and aims for rectification on behalf of the deceased.
As the inquiry continues over the next month, it aims to address the above complexities while examining the broader impact of Covid-19 on care services. For those like Lewis and Adamson, the pursuit of truth is paramount, with hopes that lessons learned from these harrowing experiences will shape future policy to prioritize the welfare of vulnerable populations in times of crisis. Ultimately, they demand recognition for the resilience demonstrated by care workers and a commitment to better preparations for any future health emergencies.
