SDLP Social Justice Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has expressed concerns around the lack of testing within the independent care sector, while calling for transparency relating to Covid-19 attributable deaths.
Mr Durkan argued current figures do not accurately depict the reality of the situation here in the North West.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I have serious concerns about the lack of testing within our care homes which calls into question a failure to provide transparency around recorded Covid-19 cases and subsequent deaths.
“Worryingly, data still places the North West among the lowest levels of positive Covid-19 cases across the North.
“This is attributable more so to a lack of testing rather than the true reflection of the impact of the virus in this region.
“Clearly, there is a need for more robust testing as well as further protections for both staff and residents within the independent care sector.
“The Department of Health must pay heed to of public outrage in relation to the situation unfolding in care homes here.
“Families are concerned that their loved ones, already vulnerable and compromised are being put at risk.
“Likewise, community care workers are fighting for basic protections to ensure they can continue to provide high quality care in a safe environment.
“The only reasonable way to facilitate that and to provide a more accurate representation of this crisis is to extend the current testing provision.
“We cannot afford any further delays- progress must be made now.”
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