Hemel woman calls for investigation as Hertfordshire and West Essex is named as one of the hotspots for excess care home deaths

A woman from Hemel Hempstead has called for an investigation after Hertfordshire and West Essex emerged as a hotspot for excess care home deaths.

Edith Glatter wants the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System (formerly known as the HWE Sustainability and Transformation Partnership) and Hertfordshire County Council to investigate after there was a large spike in the number of care home deaths from all causes in the middle of April.

According to new analysis of care home statistics by the Health Service Journal, new areas have emerged as hotspots for excess deaths during the coronavirus pandemic.

The sustainability and transformation partnership (now the Integrated Care System) covering Hertfordshire and West Essex had not so far featured prominently in the hospital death statistics published by NHS England.

But according to data published by the Office for National Statistics, these areas saw large spikes in the number of care home deaths from all causes in the middle of April.

In an average week prior to the pandemic, care homes in Hertfordshire and West Essex would report around 57 deaths.

But the figure for the week ending 17 April was 274, implying an excess of around 217 on the typical numbers. Covid-19 was recognised as a factor in only 102 deaths

This represents 15 deaths per 100,000 population on an age-standardised basis, which was the highest number in England in that week.

Edith was concerned by the figures and has called for an investigation, she said: "I think the Hertfordshire and West Essex STP and the council should be investigating what can be done to improve the situation.

"It is very disappointing that this is the kind of table we are topping.

"We are hearing nationally about a shortage of PPE in care homes and also about patients being discharged from hospital going back to care homes, are these the reasons for so many deaths?"

Iain MacBeath, Joint Interim Lead at Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System and Director, Adult Care Services at Hertfordshire County Council: “Our deepest sympathies go out to all families currently experiencing the sad loss of a loved one within our adult care homes.

"The circumstances being experienced right now are unprecedented and I would like to personally thank each and every care worker who has stepped up to the plate to meet the challenge of this pandemic.

"Health Service Journal (HSJ) has reported figures for deaths within care homes during one week in April.

"As different parts of the country are likely to experience a ‘peak’ in the number of cases of the virus at different times, comparing all areas during one week in time does not tell the whole story.

"Our priority remains to provide a safe high-quality service for people who need support; we know that giving certainty and leadership to our care sector is of fundamental importance.

"Every individual is tested for the virus before admission to a care home, including those that are discharged from hospital.

“Hertfordshire County Council wrote to care providers in Hertfordshire eight weeks ago setting out a financial package which is one of the best in the country with a dedicated helpline, website and daily emails to ensure everyone is up to date.

"The council has agreed a comprehensive plan of action with NHS partners and Public Health to control and prevent the spread of this virus in our care homes and the wider care community.

“Essex County Council continues to support care homes within Essex and are working closely with them to ensure every precaution is taken to keep residents safe and well.

"Care homes already deploy appropriate infection control procedures to protect residents and the council continues to offer support to homes through provision of public health advice and access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), where there is a critical need.

"Additional support is also offered via a wrap-around service that is joined-up with local NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups, community providers and our quality improvement team.”