Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Every life lost to COVID-19 is a tragedy and it is heartbreaking for families who lost loved ones who were living in care homes and unable to be as close to them in their final moments, as we would all wish, due to restrictions."
Responding to the publication by the Care Quality Commission of data on death notifications involving COVID-19 received from individual care homes in England between 10 April 2020 and 31 March 2021, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“Every life lost to COVID-19 is a tragedy and it is heartbreaking for families who lost loved ones who were living in care homes and unable to be as close to them in their final moments, as we would all wish, due to restrictions.
“This data is a solemn reminder of the number of deaths experienced in care homes across the country involving coronavirus. It is crucial to understand that these numbers alone do not in themselves indicate a care home’s quality, particularly given the potential influence of other factors such as community transmission. It is also important that care providers and their employees continue to receive all support necessary in what is still a volatile and difficult period.
“We must also reflect on the incredible dedication and commitment of our social care workforce, many of whom put themselves at risk, experiencing tragedy and loss of their own.
“It is vital that this data and everything else we have learnt during the pandemic is used to improve our response and understanding about how best to support people’s safety and wellbeing, as we look to build back better.”