Extract from Lords
repeat of a Commons statement on Covid-19: Response
(CB): My Lords, many people in learning disability care
services have very complex care needs that make them vulnerable
to Covid-19. Indeed, recent numbers from the CQC showed that the
provisional number of deaths reported across all settings where
autistic people and/or people with learning disabilities may live
was 175% greater than expected over the month from 10 April. When
will the welcome extension of testing to all care settings
announced today roll out? Can he confirm that regular testing
will be available, given the potential of the virus to be spread
between care homes by so-called bank staff filling temporary
vacancies?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of
Health and Social Care ()
(Con): The noble Baroness is entirely right that the deaths of
those with learning difficulties have been one of the most
disturbing and sad aspects of this disease. We are focused very
much on ensuring that we protect those with learning
difficulties, such as those with Autism in
whatever way we can. With regard to recurrent testing, the tests
that we have are not a limitless resource and we have to
prioritise them. Although we have massively increased the number
of tests that we have, it is not possible to test millions of
people on a very regular basis with hundreds of thousands of
tests. However, we are using them intelligently and prioritising
areas where there are infection control problems. We believe that
that is the most effective way of using our
resources...
Extract from
Commons Urgent Question on Coronavirus and Care
Homes
(Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab)
[V]: CQC data revealed a 175% increase in deaths of
people with Autism and learning difficulties
last month, yet the new care home testing portal is only
available to homes whose residents are aged 65 and over. What is
the Minister doing to ensure that all care homes are able to
access tests? Will the Government conduct a review of why there
has been such a sharp increase in deaths among these groups?
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (): I addressed this point in my
opening response to the urgent question. We will roll out testing
to care homes of all ages. This is an area that I take very
seriously indeed. We are looking into the statistics that have
been mentioned in the public domain. Some of the statistics are
not quite as they first seem. We will make sure that we publish
accurate and full statistics, because transparency is absolutely
vital in this area...
