The leader of the UK’s health protection organization is receiving criticism as it was revealed that she proposed sending COVID-positive hospital patients to nursing homes as a “clinically appropriate” measure to prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed.
The families of residents who passed away from Covid while in care homes, along with care home providers, stated that these findings validated their previous beliefs and discredited the government’s assertion of implementing a “protective barrier” for care homes.
After a leaked email from Dame Jenny Harries, who was the deputy chief medical officer for England at the time, in March 2020 during the early stages of the Covid pandemic, it was revealed that she had advised health officials that discharging care home residents from hospitals would be necessary in the event of a significant increase in Covid cases. She also acknowledged that this decision would likely face criticism from the families of those affected.
“While it may not be a scenario we want to consider, I believe it is inevitable that we will have to transfer Covid-19 positive patients to residential care facilities, as mentioned in your note,” she stated. “This will be a necessary decision based on medical reasons, as the NHS will prioritize those who can benefit from acute care. The number of infected individuals will likely increase significantly in a short amount of time, making this a common and more accepted practice. However, I understand that families and care homes may not be initially receptive to this.”
Last week, Harries appeared at the inquiry and acknowledged that the email sounded negative. However, she was focused on a broad perspective of the potential actions needed if the NHS became inundated with a large number of cases. She has since been promoted to lead the UK Health Security Agency and received a damehood.
The recent statement has caused anger among families of individuals who passed away in care facilities and care providers. These providers had previously expressed concern about not receiving the same level of priority as the NHS. Deborah Doyle, representative for Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK, stated that in light of the virus’s devastating impact, it was Jenny Harries’ responsibility to devise measures to safeguard people and handle the situation effectively.
It is evident that instead of finding a better solution, she chose the “easiest” and most heartless option of sacrificing the well-being of care home residents, who are among the most vulnerable individuals in the nation. Families like ours were the ones who suffered the terrible consequences of her negligence, and it is utterly disgraceful that she has been rewarded with a promotion, a damehood, and now holds a high position at the UK Health Security Agency.
Vic Rayner, the CEO of the National Care Forum, stated that the current evidence being presented confirms the negative experiences of our non-profit members, their employees, the individuals they care for, and their families. On March 19, 2020, the DHSC released guidance to discharge individuals into social care settings without ensuring that they had the necessary PPE, infection prevention control, and clinical support in place to ensure everyone’s safety. One shocking revelation was that PPE purchased by social care providers was taken by the NHS. The inquiry has revealed that there was no protection for care homes, and decisions were made without considering the reality of social care or available evidence, resulting in unforgettable consequences.
The government is under political pressure due to recent revelations that contradict their claims of prioritizing care home safety. Opposition parties are accusing the government of infecting care homes, despite previous statements of implementing protective measures. Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting stated, “The government claimed to be protecting care homes, but in reality, they were spreading Covid.” Lib Dem health spokesperson Daisy Cooper expressed shock that the government knowingly released Covid-positive patients into care homes.
after newsletter promotion
The UKHSA declined to provide a statement. However, a supporter of Harries restated her previous remarks stating that she was discussing a hypothetical situation where hospitals were at full capacity and had exhausted all alternatives.
Source: theguardian.com
