UK lawmakers criticise 'reckless' policy error

The Public Accounts Committee said discharging around 25,000 patients to free up beds was an example of the government's “slow, inconsistent and at times negligent” approach to social care. In a report, it voiced concerns that the Department of Health and Social Care continued with the policy “even once it was clear there was an emerging problem." Hospitals in England were asked on March 17 to discharge patients, but did insist on coronavirus test prior to discharge until April 15.

A committee of British lawmakers says the government's decision to advise English hospitals to discharge thousands of patients into care homes without knowing if they had the coronavirus was a "reckless" and "appalling" policy error. The Public Accounts Committee said discharging around 25,000 patients to free up beds was an example of the government's "slow, inconsistent and at times negligent" approach to social care.

In a report, it voiced concerns that the Department of Health and Social Care continued with the policy "even once it was clear there was an emerging problem." Hospitals in England were asked on March 17 to discharge patients, but did insist on coronavirus test prior to discharge until April 15. The government only said at the end of April that all care home residents and staff, regardless of symptoms, would be able to access tests. The UK has the highest official coronavirus death toll in Europe, with around 46,000. The actual figure is thought to be far higher as it does not include those who died after contracting the virus but were not tested, including many in care homes.(AP) RUP RUP

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