Care homes ‘afterthought’ during pandemic as Covid ‘spread like wildfire’ killing thousands, inquiry finds

The care sector was “an afterthought” during the Covid-19 pandemic with failings allowing the virus to “spread like wildfire” and resulting in thousands of deaths despite the claim there was a protective ring around care homes, the inquiry has found.

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry has found that vulnerable care home residents were left with “insufficient protection” as patients were discharged from hospitals without knowing if they had the virus.

The then-Scottish health secretary Jeane Freeman told the inquiry that while there had been no blanket do not resuscitate order (DNACPR) policy, there were cases in which a DNACPR had appeared on a patient’s notes without them or their family being aware.

Scottish care homes felt an undeniable pressure to help NHS Scotland create capacity, the inquiry found.

Care Home Relatives Scotland told the Inquiry that restrictions became a “complete postcode lottery of care” with some English providers applying English guidance in their care homes in Scotland.

In February 2020, no Covid-specific guidance for care homes was published. However, Scotland was the first nation to advise the isolation of all people discharged from hospital to care homes

The report, published on Tuesday, also found:

• Inspectoral focus on infection control and prevention (IPC) created conflict in Scotland, leading to deterioration in working relationships and morale and slowing quality improvement progress.
• Devolution made the delivery of social care more complex
• General lack of oversight of care sector by Scottish government:
• Before the pandemic, no national overview of available bed capacity in care homes in Scotland
• Despite the Scottish Government saying care workers should have access to free PPE as a last resort, a GMB Scotland survey on March 31, 2020 found that 76% of its members had not been provided with appropriate PPE

The Scottish Government said it will “take the necessary time” to consider the new report from the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

“The Scottish Government welcomes the publication of this report and will take the necessary time to fully and carefully consider its findings and recommendations,” a spokesman said.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the many thousands who have lost loved ones and who continue to experience the profound impacts of Covid-19.

“We recognise the loss, hurt and suffering experienced by people, particularly among those who relied on, delivered or supported adult social care services during an exceptionally challenging period.

“We acknowledge the significant impact of the pandemic on people who draw on care and support, their families and loved ones, and the many unpaid carers who provided essential care, often in difficult and isolating circumstances.

“Throughout the pandemic, the Scottish Government’s overriding objective was to protect people and minimise loss of life.

“Work continues to implement the recommendations accepted from earlier inquiry reports and the Scottish Government remains committed to working collaboratively with partners to strengthen Scotland’s preparedness, resilience and public services.”