THE Independent Care Group has welcomed the next phase of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, which begins on Monday and will scrutinise how the pandemic was handled in the care home sector.
This phase will examine the response to Covid-19 within adult social care, including the impact on care home residents, staff and providers.
As the Inquiry turns its attention to this critical area, the ICG is calling for swift, decisive recommendations and, crucially, for them to be acted upon urgently.
The ICG also used the moment to pay tribute to the dedication and bravery of people and social care staff across the country during the pandemic.
ICG chair Mike Padgham said: “We want to thank all the incredible staff across health and care services who worked through the Covid pandemic.
“In particular, I want to pay tribute to the social care workers in care homes and delivering domiciliary care, who placed themselves in harm’s way every single day.
“Many gave up time with their own families, even lived in care facilities, so they could look after others safely. They put their clients and residents ahead of everything else. That courage and sacrifice should never be forgotten.
“We also remember, with great sadness, staff who lost their lives, and all those who died during the pandemic. Our condolences go to their families and loved ones. It was a deeply anxious and traumatic time for so many.”
The ICG, which represents care providers, said that while the Covid Inquiry is welcome and necessary, it must not become a slow-moving exercise in hindsight.