New care home death figures show government claims of protecting the sector ​ring hollow, says UNISON

Responding to figures published today (Tuesday) by the Office for National Statistics showing more than 1,000 coronavirus related deaths have occured in South West care homes, UNISON South West regional secretary Joanne Kaye said:

“Over 1,000 families in the South West have lost loved ones to COVID-19 in care homes, many haven’t even had the chance to say goodbye.

“Vulnerable residents and ​care workers looking after them have been left to fight the disease alone. Staff still don’t have the safety kit or tests they need. Government claims of a protective ring being placed around care homes ​ring rather hollow.

“The care sector needs to be completely overhauled once the crisis has passed. Never again should the concerns of staff​, unions and employers be ignored.”