Matt Hancock faces questions on the governments handling of the pandemic
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, is set to answer questions from MPs
Matt Hancock, the secretary of state for Health and Social care, is set to answer questions from MPs today, about the governments handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier this week, we spoke to operations manager, Pearl Jackson about her experience of working in care homes during the pandemic.
She opened up about the lack of PPE they received, blanket do not resuscitate orders, testing and patients being transferred from hospital, without a covid-19 test.
Speaking about the inquiry into the handling of the pandemic, Pearl said:
"There will be some lessons learnt, I'm certain of that. But, it's quite scary when I look at the date of birth of some residents and it's very close to mine, that if we are the next generation of elderly, are we going to be written off if there's a need to protect other people, younger people.
"The directive came from somewhere and someone must have known, that's why it's crucial that there is some independent report into what happened.
"If people put there hands up and say we got it wrong, it was a difficult a time, and it was, it was a difficult time and we didn't know what we were doing, but we've found out now and we can work it out now.
"But there's isn't any recognition of that, to actually say the opposite that we weren't protective, which we weren't, I lose trust in that, just say it."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:
“Protecting people in adult social care has been a key priority throughout the pandemic and we have provided billions of pounds to support the sector including on infection and prevention control measures, over 255 million items of PPE, priority vaccinations and additional testing.
“We are focused on ensuring everyone who relies on adult social care continues to receive the support they need and we are clear no care home should be forced to admit residents if they do not feel they can provide the appropriate care.”