Criticism levelled at Matt Hancock for alleged disrespect towards every COVID-19 loss victim due to his comments regarding the inquiry investigation.
In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, a controversial policy was implemented by the UK government, which involved the rapid discharge of hospital patients into care homes. This policy, aimed at freeing up hospital beds and preventing the National Health Service (NHS) from becoming overwhelmed, was later ruled unlawful by the High Court in 2022.
Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock described the decision as the "least-worst decision" available at the time, acknowledging it was an "incredibly contentious issue" with devastating consequences. Between March 2020 and July 2022, there were more than 43,000 COVID-related deaths in care homes across the UK. The policy contributed to what was described by a senior civil servant as a “generational slaughter within care homes.”
Sharon Cook, a family member of a care home resident, has spoken out about the impact of this policy. She was only allowed to visit her father, who had dementia, once but was prevented from returning after that. Her father's DNAR (Do Not Attempt Resuscitation) form was allegedly in consultation with her, according to the care home. However, Sharon Cook claims she was shown the form and presented as if she had consented to it. Her father died a week later, and she was told they did not attempt to resuscitate him.
The lack of clarity in the care home guidance during the pandemic is a point of contention for Sharon Cook. There was no policy in place requiring patients to be tested for COVID-19 before admission to care homes or for asymptomatic patients to isolate until mid-April. Staff movement between care homes was later found to be a main transmission source, and efforts to limit virus transmission among care home staff were hampered by a lack of funding.
The decision to discharge hospital patients into care homes was a government decision, signed off by the prime minister. Simon Stevens, the chief executive of the NHS, was heavily involved in the decision. Matt Hancock, during his appearance at the COVID inquiry, did not show contrition, apology, or empathy, which has been criticised by many.
The High Court ruled in 2022 that government policies on discharging hospital patients into care homes at the start of the pandemic were "unlawful". Matt Hancock has been accused of insulting the memory of those who died during the pandemic due to his description of discharging patients into care homes.
Sharon Cook questions whether her father would still be alive if she had been allowed to visit him during his final days. She believes if a more up-to-date form had been used, she would have had the opportunity to exercise her father's right to a second opinion. The controversy surrounding the government's early discharge policy continues, with many calling for accountability and reform in the care system.
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