We've heard a lot today from ministers about what's going on (or should be going on) on in social care
As good as the intentions might be there's sometimes a v big gap between the podiums and the frontline. Here's why.
govt has promised that care home workers and symptomatic patients should be part of testing programme. Hancock repeated it today
But it seems PHE can't deliver all of it at least in some places
Unfortunately, last night, she had the first death in her home. 90 year old Peter.
Sandra has worried relatives on the phone begging for answers and tests and she can say so little
Brighton alone has capacity for 1000 tests a day. Only 350 were done on Tuesday.
The more I think about this, the more I think it's about how England is governed. No surprise that Scotland and Wales, the problem is a bit less acute- because they have much smaller units to manage.
I've spoken to several domiciliary carers today. What they've told me is absolutely shocking.
She's been given one disposable mask which is supposed to last 2 weeks. It lasts for 30 mins.
The only times domiciliary carers get proper protection is if they know the client has covid, which they usually don't and in any case, lots are asymptomatic
20 homes. 20 chances to get infected or infect someone else. Without proper PPE.
You see the problem?
Their bosses have told them they're following Public Health England guidelines. That is absolutely not the case.
They've been told that if they take time off or self isolate, they'll only get statutory sick pay, if that. They can't afford it.
Many are paying for PPE out of their own pockets. Min wage pockets.
It hardly needs saying how reckless that policy is