As if expendable: the UK government ' s failure to protect older people in carehomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, Amnesty International

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on older persons living in care homes in England. 28,186 “excess deaths” were recorded in care homes in England between 2 March and 12 June, with over 18,500 care home residents confirmed to have died with COVID-19 during this period. UK government decisions and failures resulted in violations of the human rights of people living in care homes, notabl y the right to life, to health and to nondiscrimination. From discharging 25,000 patients, including those infected, into care homes; to denying care homes residents admission to hospital and imposing “do not attempt resuscitation” orders on them without due process, to failing to provide PPE an d testing to care homes – older persons living in care homes were abandoned to die. A full, independent public inquiry must be set up without further delay, with an interim phase to commence immediately and report its findings and recommendations by 30 November – so that lessons can be learned a nd measures swiftly taken to ensure older people in care homes are protected. Certain disproportionate restrictions on care homes visit which are causing so much distress to residents must be urgently addressed, including by making testing available to visitors.

Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - October 9, 2020 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news