The smoking gun of govt care home policy?
Govt advice from 2 April.
“Some of these patients may have #COVOD19. All can be cared for in care homes.”
“Negative tests are not required before transfer/admission to the care home.” #coronavirus via @Goldbug40 gov.uk/government/pub…
Govt advice from 2 April.
“Some of these patients may have #COVOD19. All can be cared for in care homes.”
“Negative tests are not required before transfer/admission to the care home.” #coronavirus via @Goldbug40 gov.uk/government/pub…
Here’s a link to the PDF (p.4).
What’s almost as shocking as this document is the fact that it’s been in the public domain for 6 weeks & no journalist has looked at it.
The same happened with PM’s #GreenwichSpeech from 2 Feb which I posted a month ago. assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl…
What’s almost as shocking as this document is the fact that it’s been in the public domain for 6 weeks & no journalist has looked at it.
The same happened with PM’s #GreenwichSpeech from 2 Feb which I posted a month ago. assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl…
If you haven’t seen @borisjohnson’s #GreenwichSpeech you can view it here👇
It’s the smoking gun of the govt’s #HerdImmunity strategy. The entire #THREAD is well worth a read if you have a bit of time on your hands. #COVID19 #coronavirus #COVIDー19 #Covid
It’s the smoking gun of the govt’s #HerdImmunity strategy. The entire #THREAD is well worth a read if you have a bit of time on your hands. #COVID19 #coronavirus #COVIDー19 #Covid
I stumbled on the government’s #Covid19 strategy quite by chance 10 weeks ago.
Since then, I keep thinking - “now this has been uncovered, I can leave it to the full-time journalists”. But somehow, it hasn’t worked out that way.
For the story so far👇👇
Since then, I keep thinking - “now this has been uncovered, I can leave it to the full-time journalists”. But somehow, it hasn’t worked out that way.
For the story so far👇👇
These 2 clips - the PM’s #TakeItOnTheChin comments (5/3) & #GreenwichSpeech (3/2) - are crucial pieces of the puzzle.
The media only grudgingly covered the former after 12/3 & the latter has yet to be reported anywhere.
See next tweet👇for more from 5/3.
The media only grudgingly covered the former after 12/3 & the latter has yet to be reported anywhere.
See next tweet👇for more from 5/3.
“It should be business as usual for the overwhelming majority of people...
The public I think understands completely the balance of risk involved. The scientists have done a v good job of explaining to us what the risks are & they are really quite small.”
The public I think understands completely the balance of risk involved. The scientists have done a v good job of explaining to us what the risks are & they are really quite small.”
It turns out that someone attempted to warn Matt Hancock & other MPs via Twitter, that these govt guidelines could result in #COVID19 transmission to care homes.
On 15 April, @margtna Tweeted the document with the vital passages highlighted in yellow, at @MattHancock & @Peston.
On 15 April, @margtna Tweeted the document with the vital passages highlighted in yellow, at @MattHancock & @Peston.
Of course, ministers & politicians cannot be expected to read documents tweeted at them from strangers (@margtna also tried to flag it to @PaulaBarkerMP @leicesterliz @Peston, @PaulBrandITV & @EvanHD).
But the point is, this was all in the public domain.
But the point is, this was all in the public domain.
Uncovering the political decisions which sent tens of thousands to early graves is NOT about ascribing blame or collecting material for a future Inquiry.
It’s about ensuring future decisions made by those in power are the right ones, guided by science.
It’s about ensuring future decisions made by those in power are the right ones, guided by science.
Now is not the time for blame.
It is a time for honesty, for transparency and for unity.
There are massive decisions facing our country in the coming weeks.
We need sober leadship, responsible journalism and all our best scientists around the top table.
It is a time for honesty, for transparency and for unity.
There are massive decisions facing our country in the coming weeks.
We need sober leadship, responsible journalism and all our best scientists around the top table.
The document I highlighted above is from 2 April.
It appears from the most-up-to-date DHSC policy paper (from 16 April) that the same practice may still be in place & that people who haven't had a negative test may still be being admitted to care homes.
It appears from the most-up-to-date DHSC policy paper (from 16 April) that the same practice may still be in place & that people who haven't had a negative test may still be being admitted to care homes.
It seems my efforts to make sense of the govt’s #COVID19 policy over these last months, have ruffled feathers in some high places.
After some rather sinister “shots across my bow”, I’m ducking under the sofa for a little while.
But I will be back soon.
After some rather sinister “shots across my bow”, I’m ducking under the sofa for a little while.
But I will be back soon.
Annex D says care homes receiving someone who may have #COVID10 should ensure the resident “does not leave room for 14 days after onset of symptoms or positive test &
staff wear protective equipment.”
Shortages of of PPE & tests would have made this hard for many care homes.
staff wear protective equipment.”
Shortages of of PPE & tests would have made this hard for many care homes.
Here is the govts latest “action plan” from 15 April.
It says "we will MOVE to institute a policy of testing residents prior to admission to care homes.”
This was a month ago but has it happened? Is anyone tracking it? (Research by @janestevenson68) assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl…
It says "we will MOVE to institute a policy of testing residents prior to admission to care homes.”
This was a month ago but has it happened? Is anyone tracking it? (Research by @janestevenson68) assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl…
It goes on to say that for asymptomatic patients discharged into care homes, they will have been tested, but is this the case?
“A small number of people may be discharged from NHS within the 14 day period from the onset of Covid-19 symptoms" as long as provisions are in place.
“A small number of people may be discharged from NHS within the 14 day period from the onset of Covid-19 symptoms" as long as provisions are in place.
"Right from the start we've tried to throw a protective ring around our care homes. We set out our first advice in February... we've made sure care homes have the resources they need" says Health Secretary, Matt Hancock. @MattHancock
On 6 May, @KayBurley asked @MattHancock what he would have done differently regarding care homes. He replied:
“I feel we put a lot of effort & resources behind supporting care homes from the start, but maybe we should have explained that more clearly.”
“I feel we put a lot of effort & resources behind supporting care homes from the start, but maybe we should have explained that more clearly.”
QUESTION: How can the govt claim to have put a “protective ring” around care homes when their guidelines👆instruct hospitals to discharge patients with #COVID19 into care homes?
Infuriating! @michaelgove avoids answering the question on Sky & on #Marr.
Infuriating! @michaelgove avoids answering the question on Sky & on #Marr.
So much for @MattHancock’s “protective ring”.
Temporary agency care home staff inadvertently spread #Covid19 according to an unpublished govt study that used genome tracking to investigate the outbreaks.
22,000+ residents are estimated to have died as a result of #coronavirus.
Temporary agency care home staff inadvertently spread #Covid19 according to an unpublished govt study that used genome tracking to investigate the outbreaks.
22,000+ residents are estimated to have died as a result of #coronavirus.
Q. How can you claim to have put a “protective ring” around care homes when your guidelines instruct hospitals to discharge patients with #COVID19 into care homes?
@BorisJohnson: A huge effort was made to try to protect care homes.
Parliamentary Liaison Committee 27/5/20 #COVID
@BorisJohnson: A huge effort was made to try to protect care homes.
Parliamentary Liaison Committee 27/5/20 #COVID
We know it was the govt’s plan to discharge coronavirus patients into care homes.
When questioned by @PaulBrandITV @MattHancock says it’s “important people, when they leave hospital are able to go somewhere safe for that person...and safe for everybody.”
When questioned by @PaulBrandITV @MattHancock says it’s “important people, when they leave hospital are able to go somewhere safe for that person...and safe for everybody.”
This is obscene!
Asked why the govt drew up a plan to transfer people who’d had coronavirus into care homes without tests, Care Minister, @Helen_Whately, first tries the “guided by science” line, THEN claims “the world” only learned that #COVID19 could be asymptomatic recently.
Asked why the govt drew up a plan to transfer people who’d had coronavirus into care homes without tests, Care Minister, @Helen_Whately, first tries the “guided by science” line, THEN claims “the world” only learned that #COVID19 could be asymptomatic recently.
The suggestion that the govt couldn’t have known that #COVID19 could be asymptomatic (even though this was common knowledge by February), beggars belief.
But TBH, nothing #HelenWhatley says surprises me. Last month she’d never heard of Exercise Cygnus!
But TBH, nothing #HelenWhatley says surprises me. Last month she’d never heard of Exercise Cygnus!
Some top scientists believe that, rather than “pivoting” away from the herd immunity strategy, the govt is STILL pursuing it.
This would explain many of the ‘mistakes’ over the last 3 months & why govt ministers fail to offer straight answers to questions
This would explain many of the ‘mistakes’ over the last 3 months & why govt ministers fail to offer straight answers to questions
Could the easing of the lockdown really be a way of increasing transmissions until the next lockdown, rather than a cautious response to low transmission levels?
In Netherlands, where a #HerdImmunity strategy is reportedly being tried more openly, “yo-yo lockdowns” are expected.
In Netherlands, where a #HerdImmunity strategy is reportedly being tried more openly, “yo-yo lockdowns” are expected.
The govt talked about meeting 5 tests before lockdown could start to be lifted. But have those tests been met?
Is it really safe to open shops & schools on Monday?
Prof @devisridhar warns:
“It feels like mistakes are being repeated from early March.”
Is it really safe to open shops & schools on Monday?
Prof @devisridhar warns:
“It feels like mistakes are being repeated from early March.”
Over the last two days, Spain had two #COVID19 deaths. The UK had 789.
Britain was given the gift of a 3 week head-start by the likes of Spain & Italy.
It was squandered.
Late lockdown. No testing. Garbled messaging etc etc.
Thread on #HerdImmunity👇
Britain was given the gift of a 3 week head-start by the likes of Spain & Italy.
It was squandered.
Late lockdown. No testing. Garbled messaging etc etc.
Thread on #HerdImmunity👇
Asked why govt guidelines said people who’d had #COVID19 should be sent back to care homes without being tested, EVERY minister talks about a completely IRRELEVANT statistic:
“There’ve been 40% fewer admissions from hospitals to care homes this year.” So?
“There’ve been 40% fewer admissions from hospitals to care homes this year.” So?
The reason there’s been a 40% reduction of returns from hospital to care homes is b/c most procedures have been CANCELLED since March, & more patients have DIED in hospital than normal especially elderly.
Yet MPs & PM repeat it & journalists stay silent.
Yet MPs & PM repeat it & journalists stay silent.
Disturbing anecdotal reports that NHS may be planning for 2nd wave in July.
@DMinghella: “I'm hearing that NHS planners have been asked to prepare for a second spike in July. That means they think you and your loved ones are going to catch Covid in June.” #HerdimmunityIsMurder
@DMinghella: “I'm hearing that NHS planners have been asked to prepare for a second spike in July. That means they think you and your loved ones are going to catch Covid in June.” #HerdimmunityIsMurder
The #CareHomeScandal exposed👆
“In the space of a month, 25,060 people were discharged from hospital to care homes without being routinely tested for Covid19 in England.
It was only on 16 April that blanket testing of all discharges began.” @PaulBrandITV
“In the space of a month, 25,060 people were discharged from hospital to care homes without being routinely tested for Covid19 in England.
It was only on 16 April that blanket testing of all discharges began.” @PaulBrandITV
After these revelations, let’s hope that journalists challenge ministers who keep parroting the mendacious statistic that there have been “40% fewer transfers from hospitals to care homes”.
That’s b/c elective surgery has been stopped & there have been more deaths in hospitals!
That’s b/c elective surgery has been stopped & there have been more deaths in hospitals!
The failure to protect people in care homes can be traced back to the failure to include NHS surge capacity in the modelling.
The modelling teams were asked to look at a single epidemic curve, not a range of scenarios. See Prof Woolhouse’s evidence today👇
The modelling teams were asked to look at a single epidemic curve, not a range of scenarios. See Prof Woolhouse’s evidence today👇
Grant Shapps claims measures were put in “early on” to stop virus spreading to care homes.
He also says all transfers from hospitals were clinical decisions.
25,000 people were discharged from hospital into care homes in the month before the govt introduced mandatory testing.👆
He also says all transfers from hospitals were clinical decisions.
25,000 people were discharged from hospital into care homes in the month before the govt introduced mandatory testing.👆
Reminder, on 16 March, @grantshapps claimed that the #coronavirus response of other countries - such as testing, stopping large public gatherings, closing schools, lockdowns, face masks, protecting care homes etc.) was "populist" & unscientific. #COVID19
Health Minister, #HelenWhately, attempts to blame scientists for govt’s policy of transferring #coronavirus patients from hospitals into care homes without testing.
@KayBurley: You can't stick this on the scientists
@Helen_Whately: Well, I can #KayBurley
@KayBurley: You can't stick this on the scientists
@Helen_Whately: Well, I can #KayBurley
In a move designed to shut down scrutiny, the govt has banned ministers from appearing on @GMB for a month-&-half, but that doesn’t stop @piersmorgan & @susannareid100 analysing their performances on other channels.
Here’s their review of @Helen_Whately’s @SkyNews interview.
Here’s their review of @Helen_Whately’s @SkyNews interview.
For more about the way in which the #COVID19 crisis is being used to undermine some of the fundamental precepts of press freedom, see this thread.👇
Matt Hancock claims he recognised the need to protect people in care homes "from the earliest date in this crisis".
He also admits he knew about #coronavirus from the beginning of January.
He also says he told the PM "right at the start".
So they knew!
He also admits he knew about #coronavirus from the beginning of January.
He also says he told the PM "right at the start".
So they knew!
“It’s patchy!”
This was the reply of @ProfMartinGreen of @CareEngland when asked by @CommonsHealth on 23/6 what the current situation for #COVID_19 testing in care homes is.
Shocking info about home care was also revealed. #CareHomeScandal #HomeCareScandal #coronavirus #COVID
This was the reply of @ProfMartinGreen of @CareEngland when asked by @CommonsHealth on 23/6 what the current situation for #COVID_19 testing in care homes is.
Shocking info about home care was also revealed. #CareHomeScandal #HomeCareScandal #coronavirus #COVID
“People in care homes are in the highest category of risk & the problem at the start of the pandemic there was no acknowledgment of this, despite what @CMO_England said about 3 weeks ago.”
@ProfMartinGreen challenges Chris Whitty’s care home claims. #COVID19 #CareHomeScandal
@ProfMartinGreen challenges Chris Whitty’s care home claims. #COVID19 #CareHomeScandal
Following my exclusive on 13 May, @itvnews have now obtained evidence that it was "always" the plan to discharge #Covid19 patients into care homes.
1,800 beds were block booked by the NHS & councils for that purpose...And they’re still being discharged.
itv.com/news/2020-05-2…
1,800 beds were block booked by the NHS & councils for that purpose...And they’re still being discharged.
itv.com/news/2020-05-2…
Great video about @FT investigative journalist, Dan McCrumb (@FD) who broke the "Wirecard and the missing €1.9bn" story.
He was surveilled, spearfished and threatened but his story was eventually been proved right.
ft.com/video/37cb70e6…
He was surveilled, spearfished and threatened but his story was eventually been proved right.
ft.com/video/37cb70e6…
On #CareHomeScandal, Hancock claims no one knew about asymptotic cases back then(!) & repeats mendacious statistic of “40% fewer transfers from hospitals to care homes”. That’s because elective surgery had been stopped & lots of people weren’t transferred because they were dead.
Govt scientists & ministers had talked about the danger of asympomatic spread from the start.
WHO warned about it & I knew at start of March.
On 9 April, Patrick Vallance sayid 30-50% of those infected by coronavirus could be asymptomatic carriers.
WHO warned about it & I knew at start of March.
On 9 April, Patrick Vallance sayid 30-50% of those infected by coronavirus could be asymptomatic carriers.
Hancock: The reason 25,000 people were moved from hospitals to care homes without being tested is because at that point we didn’t know about asymptomatic transmission
Marr: Really?
MH: Not not really. But that’s the official line & we’re sticking to it.
Marr: Really?
MH: Not not really. But that’s the official line & we’re sticking to it.
Asymptomatic transmission was widely known in January.
@MattHancock says he first heard about #COVID19 at the start of 2029 & realised it was “the single biggest issue that's about to hit us.”
“Did you tell the PM?”
“Yes. I told him right at the start.”
@MattHancock says he first heard about #COVID19 at the start of 2029 & realised it was “the single biggest issue that's about to hit us.”
“Did you tell the PM?”
“Yes. I told him right at the start.”
House of Commons - 26 February
@Dr_PhilippaW: "As I have previously said, I am concerned about not self-isolating asymptomatic people."
@MattHancock: "I do not recognise some of her clinical observations."
@angelaeagle also raised the asymptomatic issue.
(via @brexit_sham)
@Dr_PhilippaW: "As I have previously said, I am concerned about not self-isolating asymptomatic people."
@MattHancock: "I do not recognise some of her clinical observations."
@angelaeagle also raised the asymptomatic issue.
(via @brexit_sham)
Journalists, I understand the pressures you’re under, but please challenge ministers when they make false claims
It’s important to remember that ALL the many scandals are part of the #HerdImmunityScandal
Mitigation = #HerdImmunity & is still govt policy
It’s important to remember that ALL the many scandals are part of the #HerdImmunityScandal
Mitigation = #HerdImmunity & is still govt policy
“I’ve been against this #HerdImmunity argument...right from the start.”
Is @MattHancock saying there are some people pushing herd immunity as a strategy & is he trying to distance himself from them?
The fact remains, mitigation IS & HAS been govt policy.
Is @MattHancock saying there are some people pushing herd immunity as a strategy & is he trying to distance himself from them?
The fact remains, mitigation IS & HAS been govt policy.
On 12/3, @Peston was briefed by “a senior govt source” about #HerdImmunity & wrote: “The strategy of the govt is to allow the virus to pass through the entire population so that we acquire herd immunity.”
The govt never corrected the story
Was Cummings the source? @ByDonkeys
The govt never corrected the story
Was Cummings the source? @ByDonkeys
.@OborneTweets writes: "This has become a signature technique of the Johnson media machine. Officially no comment. Meanwhile it makes its views known to friendly political editors, who push them without inspection or analysis out into the public domain."
Wow!
“Many care homes weren’t following the procedures in the way they should have.” @BorisJohnson
“The PM was pointing out that nobody knew what the correct procedures were because the extent of asymptomatic transmission was not known at the time.” No.10
mirror.co.uk/news/politics/…
“Many care homes weren’t following the procedures in the way they should have.” @BorisJohnson
“The PM was pointing out that nobody knew what the correct procedures were because the extent of asymptomatic transmission was not known at the time.” No.10
mirror.co.uk/news/politics/…
“We discovered too many care homes didn't really follow the procedures in the way that they could have” sounds like PM is blaming care homes for the deaths of thousands of residents from #coronavirus.
It’s BS that asymptomatic transmission wasn’t known.
gov.uk/government/pub…
It’s BS that asymptomatic transmission wasn’t known.
gov.uk/government/pub…
“This is the letter sent to hospitals after guidance on discharge to care homes changed on 15/4. The focus is still clearing beds. Patients must now be tested before discharge BUT this "must not hold up a timely discharge" & "delayed testing will not delay discharge". @_johnbye
On 19 March, every NHS & Foundation Trust received this letter👇together with Hospital Discharge Requirements “which set out action which must be taken immediately”.
Hospital directors were suddenly being told what they “must” do “immediately”. #COVID19 #coronavirus #COVID
Hospital directors were suddenly being told what they “must” do “immediately”. #COVID19 #coronavirus #COVID
“Unless required to be in hospital, patients must not remain in a NHS bed.” (Hospital Discharge Requirements, 19/3).
An annex (Annex B), sets out the severe conditions that would justify allowing a patient to remain in a bed.
#CareHomeScanal #COVID19 #HerdImmunityScandal #COVID
An annex (Annex B), sets out the severe conditions that would justify allowing a patient to remain in a bed.
#CareHomeScanal #COVID19 #HerdImmunityScandal #COVID
On 27 May @BorisJohnson said: “Every case of discharge from the NHS to care homes was done by clinicians. In no case was it done when people were suspected of being #coronavirus victims.”
These newly published discharge guidelines show clinicians were under strict instructions.
These newly published discharge guidelines show clinicians were under strict instructions.
Whilst clinicians had to identify patients who met the govt's criteria & sign the discharge forms, the decision to discharge these patients into care homes without #COVID19 tests was NOT a clinical one.
Asymptomatic patients & people who had recovered from COVID were discharged.
Asymptomatic patients & people who had recovered from COVID were discharged.
On 19/3, the govt told hospitals they "must" discharge all patients who were clinically fit "immediately" & offered this list👇of conditions which justified allowing a patient to stay.
So for the PM to appear affix any blame on doctors for the mountain of deaths, seems unsound.
So for the PM to appear affix any blame on doctors for the mountain of deaths, seems unsound.
It's not just clinicians he attempted to blame.
On 6/7 the PM attempted to blame care homes (they didn't "follow procedures").
On 7/7 he attempted to blame the science ("We didn't know about asymptomatic transmission back then").
But he knows the truth.
On 6/7 the PM attempted to blame care homes (they didn't "follow procedures").
On 7/7 he attempted to blame the science ("We didn't know about asymptomatic transmission back then").
But he knows the truth.
But it was not only hospitals being put under pressure.
“There was a huge amount of pressure clearly in the NHS to clear beds but there were some practices going on to put pressure on homes to take people which was clearly inappropriate.”
@SamMonaghan_MHA
“There was a huge amount of pressure clearly in the NHS to clear beds but there were some practices going on to put pressure on homes to take people which was clearly inappropriate.”
@SamMonaghan_MHA
As well as care homes, huge numbers of old & vulnerable people were sent from hospitals to be looked at at home.
“The same number of people work in home care as in care homes: 685,000 people nationally.” @drjanetownson, CEO, UK Homecare Ass. #COVID
#HerdImmunityScandal #COVID19
“The same number of people work in home care as in care homes: 685,000 people nationally.” @drjanetownson, CEO, UK Homecare Ass. #COVID
#HerdImmunityScandal #COVID19
