Council releases a statement in response to the Prime Minister’s recent comments regarding care homes

Herefordshire Council strongly rejects the Prime Minister’s comments that ‘too many care homes didn’t really follow the procedures in the way that they could have’.

Cabinet Member for Adults & Wellbeing, Councillor Pauline Crockett, said: “Herefordshire has so far experienced the sad loss of 60 people in care homes across the county. Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, and we continue to do all we can to prevent more people and families from suffering. Care homes and care providers in Herefordshire have responded with the highest level of bravery and professionalism throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and continue to provide the highest quality of care under difficult circumstances. By no means are deaths in care homes a reflection of the quality of care provided by a hard working care sector.

“Herefordshire Council continues to work closely with care homes and providers to provide high volumes of PPE to help keep residents safe and to protect staff. Support for the care sector from government was slow and the guidance offered was confusing and changing almost daily. Shifting the blame this way towards local care providers shows poor judgement. In my view, the response from all of our care providers, including care homes has been nothing short of amazing.”