{"id":809180,"date":"2026-10-21T01:24:24","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T01:24:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/809180\/"},"modified":"2026-10-21T01:24:24","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T01:24:24","slug":"covid-inquiry-live-families-say-care-home-residents-were-left-to-die-after-damning-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/809180\/","title":{"rendered":"Covid inquiry live: Families say care home residents were \u2018left to die\u2019 after damning report"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Care home<\/a> residents were left to \u201cdie alone,\u201d bereaved families have said, as a damning new report<\/a> in the Covid-19<\/a> inquiry has been published today. <\/p>\n

There were more than 43,000 recorded care home deaths involving Covid-19 between March 2020 and July 2022, the report said, and inquiry hearings last year heard a civil servant describe the toll as a \u201cgenerational slaughter within care homes\u201d.<\/p>\n

The new report found that many families were unable to visit their loved ones in care homes at the end of their life, which caused \u201cimmense upset and harm\u201d. <\/p>\n

\u201cWhile visits to people at the end of life should have been permitted, this did not always happen,\u201d the inquiry found.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis resulted in many people dying alone without the comfort of their loved ones by their side. For many bereaved, this has led to prolonged grief, feelings of guilt and anger.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speaking on behalf of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK, Jean Adamson, said: \u201cToday\u2019s report is a devastating account of one of the darkest episodes in our country\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt shows that the government knew the care sector<\/a> was extremely vulnerable to a pandemic and yet did nothing. Failing to act until it was too late.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/a>In pictures: Campaigners outside Covid-19 inquiry\"\"(PA)\"\"(PA)\"\"(PA)<\/p>\n

Maryam Zakir-Hussain20 October 2026 14:55<\/p>\n

<\/a>Scottish government will ‘take the necessary time’ to consider new report<\/p>\n

The Scottish government will \u201ctake the necessary time\u201d to consider the new report from the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.<\/p>\n

The UK-wider probe has released its findings on how social care was impacted on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

Responding, a Scottish Government spokesman said: \u201cThe Scottish Government welcomes the publication of this report and will take the necessary time to fully and carefully consider its findings and recommendations.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe extend our deepest condolences to the many thousands who have lost loved ones and who continue to experience the profound impacts of Covid-19.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe recognise the loss, hurt and suffering experienced by people, particularly among those who relied on, delivered or supported adult social care services during an exceptionally challenging period.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe acknowledge the significant impact of the pandemic on people who draw on care and support, their families and loved ones, and the many unpaid carers who provided essential care, often in difficult and isolating circumstances.<\/p>\n

\u201cThroughout the pandemic, the Scottish government\u2019s overriding objective was to protect people and minimise loss of life.<\/p>\n

\u201cWork continues to implement the recommendations accepted from earlier inquiry reports and the Scottish government remains committed to working collaboratively with partners to strengthen Scotland\u2019s preparedness, resilience and public services.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maryam Zakir-Hussain20 October 2026 14:35<\/p>\n

<\/a>Yvette Cooper comments on inquiry findings <\/p>\n

Health secretary Yvette Cooper said she agreed with UK Covid-19 Inquiry chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett that adult social care has been \u201cundervalued and under recognised\u201d. <\/p>\n

Speaking at health questions in the Commons, Ms Cooper said: \u201cThe Covid-19 inquiry has today published its module six report on what Baroness Hallett calls the devastating impact of the pandemic on people receiving and providing care for their loved ones. <\/p>\n

\u201cMy thoughts are with all those who lost loved ones in the pandemic, and especially those who endured the immense distress and harm of visiting restrictions in care homes, which meant they could not be with loved ones even as they died. <\/p>\n

\u201cI also pay tribute to all those who work to protect the most vulnerable, but in very difficult circumstances, from care workers to family members. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe report finds the adult social care sector was in a fragile state and insufficiently prepared for a pandemic, and that social care was too often treated as an afterthought in comparison to the priority placed on protecting the NHS. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe will provide a full response to the report\u2019s recommendations in due course, but I agree with the chair when she said: \u2018Adult social care has, for too long, been undervalued and under recognised\u2019, that has to end. <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I hope we can work cross-party to support the prime minister\u2019s vision for a national care service in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"(Getty)<\/p>\n

Maryam Zakir-Hussain20 October 2026 14:15<\/p>\n

<\/a>PM says government ‘committed to learning the lessons’ from the Covid inquiry <\/p>\n

Prime minister Andy Burnham said the government is \u201ccommitted to learning the lessons\u201d from the UK Covid-19 Inquiry report on the care sector and pledged to use the findings to develop an \u201caction plan\u201d in case of a future pandemic.<\/p>\n

Mr Burnham said: \u201cI recognise the pain and suffering caused by the pandemic and the lasting impact it continues to have on many people.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am acutely aware of the experiences of people receiving and providing care during the pandemic, and the impact on their wellbeing, dignity, and independence, as well as the time being separated from their loved ones.<\/p>\n

\u201cI pay tribute to family and friends who provided care and support, and to the dedication, compassion and professionalism shown by staff and volunteers working across adult social care, who supported and protected some of the most vulnerable people in exceptionally difficult circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added: \u201cThe government is committed to learning the lessons from the inquiry and ensuring the social care sector are prepared for a future pandemic. We will consider carefully the findings and recommendations of the report and respond in due course.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will use these findings to continue development of our Adult Social Care Pandemic Action Plan, and we will also respond to Baroness Casey\u2019s review when it is published.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have set out my vision for a National Care Service. This will be person-centred, highly integrated with health services and preventative in its character, helping people lead as independent and fulfilling lives as possible and providing dignity and peace of mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"(Reuters)<\/p>\n

Maryam Zakir-Hussain20 October 2026 13:46<\/p>\n

<\/a>‘Social care was so badly failed’- Royal College of Nursing chief<\/p>\n

Professor Nicola Ranger, RCN general secretary and chief executive, said: \u201cThis report provides a damning assessment of how social care was so badly failed. The sector entered the pandemic already on its knees from sustained underfunding, while nursing shortages were deep and widespread. The situation was compounded by a failure to recognise the reality of how infection was spreading and then to supply appropriate PPE. This made a dangerous situation fatal, allowing COVID to rip through services and an already depleted staff. As the inquiry makes clear, these were preventable failures. <\/p>\n

\u201cNursing staff in social care were the 24\/7 presence, many giving up their family lives to keep people safe and be with those who would otherwise die alone. Vulnerable people, their families and staff were left to make sense of visiting restrictions which caused so much heartbreak. Ultimately, the scale of death was unprecedented and left significant numbers of staff exhibiting PTSD. So many paid the ultimate price and must never be forgotten, nor should this be allowed to happen again. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe discharge policy demonstrated how vulnerable people and staff in social care were considered second class citizens. Our profession raised concerns from the outset, with care homes lacking the staff, or safe capacity to absorb more people at the speed ordered. Demands for specific guidance on transmission went unheard. While nursing staff faced huge risk, at the heart of government and within key agencies there was a palpable lack of understanding as to how the sector operated. That cost lives.\u201d <\/p>\n

Maryam Zakir-Hussain20 October 2026 13:38<\/p>\n

<\/a>Matt Hancock\u2019s claim of \u2018protective ring\u2019 around care homes was a ‘cruel lie’<\/p>\n

Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK said that Matt Hancock\u2019s claim that a \u201cprotective ring\u201d had been thrown around care homes was a \u201ccruel lie\u201d. <\/p>\n

Speaking on behalf of the group, Jean Adamson, said: \u201cToday\u2019s report is a devastating account of one of the darkest episodes in our country\u2019s history. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt shows that the government knew the care sector was extremely vulnerable to a pandemic and yet did nothing. Failing to act until it was too late. <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd It shows that Matt Hancock\u2019s claim to have thrown a protective ring around care homes was a cruel lie.\u201d <\/p>\n

She added: \u201cThe most at-risk people in our society, the sick, elderly \u2013 many of whom had a full and long life ahead of them \u2013 were failed by a government who abandoned them and left them to die. <\/p>\n

\u201cAmong them was my dad \u2013 Aldrick Adamson \u2013 Aldrick was a Windrush pioneer who came from Barbados to help rebuild Britain. He caught Covid in the nursing home where he lived. <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen he became ill, we could only see him through his care home window. I was not even able to hold his hand. He died on 15 April 2020. <\/p>\n

\u201cLike so many thousands, he died alone, isolated \u2013 a victim of covid, but also of government negligence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maryam Zakir-Hussain20 October 2026 13:11<\/p>\n

<\/a>Families left unable to say goodbye to loved ones in care home \u2018caused immense upset and harm\u2019<\/p>\n

Families being unable to visit their loved ones in care homes at the end of their life caused \u201cimmense upset and harm\u201d, a major new report has found. <\/p>\n

Though visiting guidance during the Covid-19 outbreak did allow exceptions to be made for end-of-life visiting, many families were not permitted to be with their loved ones at the end of their lives. <\/p>\n

\u201cWhile visits to people at the end of life should have been permitted, this did not always happen,\u201d the inquiry found. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis resulted in many people dying alone without the comfort of their loved ones by their side. For many bereaved, this has led to prolonged grief, feelings of guilt and anger.\u201d<\/p>\n

Athena Stavrou20 October 2026 12:47<\/p>\n

<\/a>Lack of family visitation caused \u2018incalculable harm\u2019 to care home residents who felt \u2018abandoned\u2019 and \u2018alone\u2019<\/p>\n

The decision to stop families visiting loved ones in care homes during the pandemic caused \u201cincalculable harm\u201d that left residents feeling \u201cabandoned\u201d and \u201calone\u201d, a new report has found. <\/p>\n

Though visiting guidance during the Covid-19 outbreak did allow exceptions to be made for end-of-life visiting, many families were not permitted to be with their loved ones. <\/p>\n

The latest Covid Inquiry report found that this resulted in a \u201csignificant decline\u201d in the health and wellbeing of residents, causing \u201cprofound and enduring effects\u201d. <\/p>\n

\u201cPreventing visits caused incalculable harm to residents and their loved ones and often resulted in a significant decline in the health and wellbeing of residents, especially those with complex cognitive conditions such as dementia,\u201d it found. <\/p>\n

\u201cAs some told the Inquiry\u2019s listening exercise, Every Story Matters, the restrictions left residents feeling \u2018isolated\u2019, \u2018abandoned\u2019 and \u2018alone\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

It added: \u201cFor people with complex cognitive conditions, such as dementia and learning disabilities, or communication difficulties, visits are critically important. Sustained interaction and connection with familiar faces helps to preserve cognitive function, reduce isolation and agitation, and improves emotional wellbeing beyond standard care.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"(AFP\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Athena Stavrou20 October 2026 12:37<\/p>\n

<\/a>\u2018Protecting the NHS\u2019 mantra \u2018came at the expense\u2019 of care patients and staff <\/p>\n

The Covid Inquiry has found that the adult care sector was treated as \u201csomething of an afterthought\u201d during the pandemic, with the government\u2019s \u2018protecting the NHS\u2019 mantra coming at the expense of care patients and staff. <\/p>\n

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry heard there were more than 43,000 deaths involving the virus in care homes across the UK between March 2020 and July 2022. <\/p>\n

The report found that failures to protect the adult care sector created environments that allowed the virus to \u201cspread like wildfire\u201d. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe adult social care sector as a whole also appeared to be something of an afterthought, where the mantra of \u2018protecting the NHS\u2019 sometimes came at the expense of the users and providers of care,\u201d the inquiry found. <\/p>\n

The inquiry\u2019s chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett, said that the high number of deaths in care homes in April 2020 brought the situation in care homes into \u201csharp focus\u201d, but the shift in focus \u201ccame too late\u201d. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt caused the UK government and devolved administrations to turn their attention to the adult social care sector, as their focus until then had very much been on the response of the healthcare system and \u2018protecting the NHS\u2019,\u201d she wrote. <\/p>\n

\u201cGiven that it was well known that people receiving care were particularly vulnerable to any respiratory disease, let alone a deadly respiratory virus like Covid-19, that shift in focus came too late. Protective measures should have been put in place at the start of a pandemic, not once it had already taken hold.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Covid Inquiry has published its latest report which is into how the pandemic was handled in the adult care sector (Alamy\/PA) (Alamy\/PA)<\/p>\n

Athena Stavrou20 October 2026 12:31<\/p>\n

<\/a>Inquiry chair on Matt Hancock\u2019s claims: \u2018Quite the opposite is true\u2019<\/p>\n

Inquiry chairwoman, Baroness Heather Hallett, has delivered a statement on the publication of the inquiry\u2019s latest report into adult social care during the pandemic. <\/p>\n

She referenced former health secretary Matt Hancock\u2019s claim he had tried to throw a \u201cprotective ring\u201d around care homes, which the inquiry said was essentially unfounded. <\/p>\n

\u201cAt the critical early stages of the pandemic, not enough was done to protect those living and working in care homes,\u201d Baroness Hallett said. <\/p>\n

\u201cA claim that a so-called protective ring had been thrown around care homes right from the start was unfounded. <\/p>\n

\u201cQuite the opposite is true. <\/p>\n

\u201cDuring the crucial weeks of March and early April 2020, the overriding focus of the UK government and devolved administrations was on protecting hospitals. The mantra of protecting the NHS sometimes came at the expense of the users and providers of care.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"InquiryInquiry chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett (PA Archive)<\/p>\n

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