The care sector was 'an afterthought' during the covid-19 pandemic. The government did not advise patients discharged into care homes should be isolated. Preventing visits led to 'immense emotional harm' for residents.
More than 43,000 people died from covid-19 in care homes between march 2020 and July 2022. The report is the sixth of 10 published by the inquiry. It cost more than £200m and has made 55 recommendations on how country can prepare.
Her report is highly critical of the lack of personnel protective equipment for care home staff. She describes how people used waterproof ponchos and painters’ overalls. A number of care workers killed themselves.
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