Covid In The Care Home

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It has been over 2 months since the Covid pandemic changed the way we live, work and interact and whilst the lockdown shows some signs of easing and signs of normality begin to spring up, the continuing issue surrounding Covid cases in Care Homes continues. One of the questions raised by many is the response by the government is the rate in which Covid was spreading in care homes and how the data for cases/deaths in care homes may not have been included in the published figures – particularly when compared to other countries.

The Government, along with Public Health England have since been publishing data relating to Covid cases and deaths in care home throughout the UK and from this, we are able to see what the rate is in our local area, and the results are interesting.

For example, the number of confirmed cases of Covid in West Sussex is 1,337 (at time of writing), which is the 29th highest in the UK of all Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLA), but given the population of the county, the Rate (which is where the count for each area is divided by the total population and multiplied by 100,000) for West Sussex is the 18th lowest in the UK of all the UTLA’s.
In East Sussex, the confirmed cases of Covid total 732, the 87th highest of the 150 UTLA’s with the Rate of infection the 9th lowest in the UK. Brighton & Hove are the 31st lowest UTLA in regards to cases (444), and the Rate the 19th lowest in the UK.

In terms of care homes, The South East has a total of 1,135 suspected or confirmed outbreaks (the data shows from 9th March-24th May) but given the South East has the highest total of care homes of any area in the country, this is a rate of 38.4% – the second lowest in the country.
For more information regarding the stats for care home around the country, download Public Health England’s infographic. (Link will open in a new window)

Since we have many clients receiving a variety of care we really want to recognise and say a huge THANK YOU to the dedicated care workers and NHS staff and keyworkers, particularly in Worthing, Sussex and further afield.

Of course, all confirmed cases and all deaths are an absolute tragedy and our thoughts go out to everyone affected during this pandemic. These have been truly testing and unprecedented times and we have not been immune to the effects of the pandemic and have adapted our service and practice to protect our staff and clients. Our team have continued to be focussed, attentive and there for our clients and their families throughout this period.  We have embraced  a range of different media platforms and creative changes to our practices and procedures.

We are all continuing on this journey which we recognise is going to be particularly slow and steady over the coming weeks and months, especially for those in care, receiving care at home or hospital.  We are with them, their loved ones, their Attorneys, their Deputies and their Executors.

We are specialists and have experience of many care homes, care at home packages and hospital admissions and discharges. We  are also experienced in helping Executors administer estates if the unfortunate situation has arisen that this is required. Contact our Private Client department if you would like to discuss any legal advice or are seeking assistance.

Disclaimer – Please note that this update is not intended to be exhaustive or be a substitute for legal advice. The application of the law in this area will often depend upon the specific facts and you are advised to seek specific advice on any given scenario.