Concerns about lack of testing from the big care companies should act as a stark warning to Ministers, GMB warns.
Providers such as HC-ONE, Four Seasons Care Homes and Barchester care - who have more than 700 homes between them – report struggling to have their staff tested quickly enough.
Kelly Andrews, GMB Care Lead, said:
“If even the big providers are struggling with testing – where does this leave smaller companies who can’t close down homes to protect their vulnerable clients.
“This is yet another Government failure and must be a stark warning for Ministers. Testing the workforce is essential in the fight against covid-19.
“Leaving staff untested for weeks at a time is a recipe for disaster. Not only are workers put at risk, but it could lead to care home deaths rocketing.
This is yet another Government failure and must be a stark warning for Ministers. Testing the workforce is essential in the fight against COVID-19.
Kelly Andrews, GMB Care Lead
“It is very worrying Public Health England do not seem to be able to give a full picture of the care home infections.
“Either they don't know or are we being deliberately kept in the dark about the truth.”
