This week, the public inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic will begin scrutinising how the crisis affected care homes and services for disabled people. Families who lost loved ones during this period have long called for answers, describing the spread of the virus through care settings as one of the pandemic’s most harrowing failings. Between March 2020 and January 2022, nearly 46,000 residents in care homes across England and Wales died after contracting Covid.
Key concerns being raised include the decision to discharge hospital patients into care homes in March 2020 without requiring negative Covid tests, a move many believe contributed to the spread of infection. Relatives and care workers also want clarity on why some residents had “do not resuscitate” orders applied without consultation, and why visits from family members were prohibited for prolonged periods.
Maureen Lewis, manager of St Ives Lodge in London, recalls the chaos of those early months. Her home lost multiple residents within a short space of time, and she describes how staff were left to manage with little guidance or support, often sourcing information themselves online. “There was no real protection,” she reflects, calling for greater accountability.
The inquiry is expected to run for several weeks, with its findings due next year. Many hope it will bring much-needed answers and ensure better preparedness for any future public health crisis.
