Shadow Social Care Minister – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has again highlighted concerns over COVID-19 testing in care homes in Wales. Speaking after a media report today (June 8), in which a care home owner in North Wales highlighted delays with staff and resident testing, Mrs Finch-Saunders said:

“It was just last week during Plenary that I reiterated my grave concerns over the testing regime in Wales, and the seeming disparity between North and South. Now we learn of a care home employee in North Wales who had to wait 70 hours for a result to come back.

“The delays and disparity pose threats to the health and well-being of residents and front-line staff.

“Eleven weeks into this pandemic a large number of care home residents and staff have yet to be tested for the first time, and for some who have, the results waiting time is too long.  The Welsh Government need to get a grip on the threat of COVID-19 to the most vulnerable section of our community, otherwise more lives may be lost.

“Mistakes have been made, but it is absolutely vital that all involved in the testing process learn from these mistakes. If we don’t then I too are fearful that we might see a second spike in cases later on this year.”

ENDS