A leading care home manager has warned the sector faces a devastating second wave of Covid-19 infections due to the UK government’s response to the virus.
Jonathan Cunningham MBE (pictured), chairman of the North and South Sefton Care Home Group that represents over 130 properties, said the easing of lockdown measures is “confusing, contradictory and dangerous”.
“Scenes since the Prime Minister’s announcement of public complacency will result in a devastating more deadly wave to hit our communities and specifically our cares looking after our most vulnerable. Regrettably, care homes will be on the front line of the fight,” he added.
Cunningham voiced disappointment over the lack of support for the care home sector and dubbed the recent announcement of £600m of government funding for infection control “an insult”.
The founder of the Care Managers Inner Circle of 2,500 care managers across UK predicted a second wave could result in the closure of homes.
“Inadequate funding, lack of recognition and lack of sufficient equipment and PPE has meant that the care homes have fought a hidden battle with a hand tied behind their backs. Multiple care homes have been decimated by this virus,” said Cunningham.
“We are now faced with a double fight to keep our homes open. The impending wave of virus that we anticipate will remove our carers and kill our residents and with multiple empty beds in our homes many care homes may be forced to close,” he added.
