"I have visited the Tye Green Lodge Care Home many times, and it is a wonderful place with outstanding staff who care deeply for the welfare of their residents.
“I pay tribute to the staff member who tragically lost their life, and to all the staff who are working so hard to care for residents. I send my warmest wishes to the families of those who have lost loved ones in recent weeks.
“These deaths are tragic. It is not yet known whether all are due to coronavirus.
“I have spoken directly to the management of the care home group and have written to the care home staff as well. The care home has said that they have the required PPE.
“Over the past few days, I have contacted care homes across Harlow, lending them my support and asking what they need to get through this pandemic. I have regularly asked the Government for support for care homes including on the matters of PPE, testing for staff and residents and timescales.
“Further to the Health Secretary’s announcements yesterday of testing for all those who need it in a social care setting, I have written to the Health Minister with regard to the timescale for this testing, extending the scope of testing and financial support for care homes and agencies to cover additional costs incurred at this time.
“The Government has announced a package of support for our care sector including access to more testing, an overhaul of the PPE delivery system, a recruitment drive for social care workers and a symbol of unity for care workers, to ensure they receive the same recognition and benefits as our hardworking NHS staff. Changes will also be made to ensure that families can say their final goodbyes to loved ones.
“The Health Secretary has announced 100,000 COVID-19 tests a day by the end of April. The CQC are leading coordination of testing for the care sector, and have already offered 6,000 care facilities the opportunity to test their staff. By the end of this week, all 30,000 care providers will have been contacted.
“This afternoon, in a meeting with the leader of Essex County Council and the Cabinet Member for Social Care, I also raised care homes, more support for testing and an update on PPE. They confirmed that they are liaising with the Government in terms of getting more testing for staff and residents following yesterday’s announcements.
“I reiterate my thanks to all the extraordinary work of care workers across Harlow. They are all Corona Heroes - showing dedication, commitment, courage and personal sacrifice - putting service above self.
“I will continue to do all I can to help staff and residents in care homes.” - Robert Halfon MP
Over past days and weeks, Mr Halfon has been working hard and taken strong action to support care workers in Harlow. He has:
✔️ Contacted care homes and care workers across Harlow to ensure that every care home has the PPE they need to help control the spread of coronavirus
✔️ Helped secure testing for everyone that needs one in a social care setting, including symptomatic residents and staff and residents discharged from hospital
✔️ Helped secure the recognition that our care workers deserve, with a new, unified symbol for care sector workers, to ensure they receive the same benefits and appreciation as our hardworking NHS staff
✔️ Asked the Government for more PPE for our care workers; the PPE supply system will now undergo an overhaul to ensure more supplies reach the frontline, faster
✔️ Written to the Care Minister about a time frame for testing for our Harlow care workers, as well as more funding for care homes and agencies
✔️ Held a conference call with the Chief Executive of a major care group in Harlow, to discuss the tragic deaths at Tye Green Lodge and lend my support to care workers
✔️ Written to the staff at Tye Green Lodge to thank them for their hard work and personal sacrifice at this time of great sadness
✔️ Discussed PPE supply and testing for care workers with the Leader of Essex County Council and MP colleagues across Essex