Response to CQC Publication of Sensitive Notification Data Relating to COVID-19 Deaths of People Living in Care Homes – Coloma Court

This has been a very difficult time and our sympathies go to the families and friends of all those we have lost.

We have done everything we can throughout to protect our residents.  That is why we put our own COVID-19 testing in place for residents 4 months before the Government’s own scheme.  We decided that, despite the cost, it was the best way to help protect our residents and allow us to act, if needed.  Sadly, many of those who come to Coloma Court face very difficult health challenges.

We were also pleased to take part in the National Day of Remembrance on 23^rd March 2021 to remember and celebrate those individuals we have lost and reflect on each of their lives.

• During the CQC focus period (04.2020 – 31.03.2021), CQC received notification for 18  residents who died at Coloma Court.
• 9 tested negative for COVID-19, 9 tested positive.
• Of the 9 residents who tested positive, 8 died at Coloma Court and 1 died in Hospital.
• 9 of those died before the roll out of the Government testing which started on 20.08.2020.
• The 9 residents were identified as COVID-19 positive through our own independently sourced testing program.
• HMT adopted its own PCR COVID-19 blanket testing regime for all our residents and staff of our care homes some 4 months before the Government testing programme was introduced. This allowed us to identify those with COVID-19 and to ensure the appropriate response to be rapidly implemented for the protection of all those who lived and worked in our care home. This was of particular importance as many residents who tested positive were asymptomatic not displaying any of the typical signs of COVID-19.

We echo the statement of Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of the National Care Forum (NCF) who represent not-for-profit care providers  who says:

“The CQC publication today is a reminder of the terrible toll that has been felt by those who live in care homes, their loved ones and the workforce. Behind each number is the life of an individual whose life has been lost in the pandemic. Lives cut short before their time, lived by people who were loved and are greatly missed by family and friends. Many families will feel that loss again seeing this publication, as will the care home staff and providers who have cared for and supported them for many months and years. “Throughout the pandemic we have supported our members to be open and transparent. It is important that CQC recognises that the information published today is not an indication of the quality or safety in individual care homes and that many of the notifications relate to deaths of care home residents which occurred in other settings. “Revisiting the ordeal of the pandemic is difficult for all concerned and it is essential that the information published is handled with sensitivity and the greatest respect. “The pandemic has shown the integral role care and support plays in people’s lives. We urge the government to be ambitious for social care and work together with people who receive care and support, their families and the wider care sector to develop a long-term strategy that recognises the vital role of social care in supporting and delivering essential services for millions of people every day.” “We join with our members in expressing our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of all those who have passed, in what has been an unprecedented time. Through open and transparent conversations our members will continue to support and provide high quality care to the people who need it most.”