Matt Hancock denied that the government's measures to protect care homes during the Covid pandemic were merely rhetorical. He argued that discharging patients from hospitals to care homes without testing was the least worst option available at the time. A lawyer for bereaved families criticized his comments, stating they insulted the memory of those who died. Hancock acknowledged the contentious nature of the discharge policy but claimed no alternative was presented that would have saved more lives, maintaining that it was a decision made under pressing circumstances.
Mr Hancock said the decision to discharge patients from hospitals into care homes when testing was not available, was "the least worst solution".
Nicola Brook, a lawyer representing bereaved families called his comments "an insult to the memory of each and every person who died".
Inquiry chair Lady Hallett responded: "And I can assure you, Mr Hancock, it is what I care about.".
Mr Hancock acknowledged the discharge policy was an "incredibly contentious issue".
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