The Welsh Conservative’s Shadow Minister for Social Care - Janet Finch-Saunders AM - has written to all 22 local authorities to determine how many people have died of COVID-19 in a social care setting throughout Wales.
The Member for Aberconwy has also submitted a Freedom of Information request to her local health board to ascertain how many local residents have died in residential and nursing care, as well as the EMI care setting.
Information regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the Welsh social care sector remains scarce. Last week, Mrs Finch-Saunders revealed that, in response to a WAQ submitted on 30 March, the Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething AM, replied:
“I do not currently have information on the number of care home residents who have contracted COVID-19 and have subsequently died or on the place of death.” (WAQ79728)
Today (20 April), the Mrs Finch-Saunders pledges to establish ‘open and frank transparency’ to ensure that those who are most vulnerable to this disease are not airbrushed out of official statistics.
Commenting on the situation, Janet said:
“In spite of the Welsh Government’s consistent stonewalling, I pledge to establish frank and open transparency in relation to COVID-19 related social care deaths.
“I have now written to all 22 local authorities in order to collate valuable statistics to ascertain the true impact of COVID-19 on those most at risk.
“Whilst I understand that the complex nature of the social care sector means collating and verifying statistics is more difficult, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that those who are most vulnerable to this disease are not airbrushed out of official statistics.
“The mark of a civilised society is how it cares for its oldest citizens. As the Welsh Conservative's Older People’s champion, I reiterate my call for the Welsh Health and Social Services Minister to provide a regular update on deaths in the Welsh care system.
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
