Matt Hancock faces legal action from daughter of coronavirus victim

By Mark T Connor • Published: 22 Jun 2020 • 13:19

Matt Hancock claimed on 15 May to have put a ‘protective ring’ around care homes

The daughter of a man who died in a care home with suspected Covid-19 begins formal proceedings against the health secretary

IT has been reported that Dr Cathy Gardner gave Matt Hancock a pre-action letter at the beginning of the month, calling for him to retract his claim that he provided a ‘protective ring’ around care homes.

The minister had 14 days to respond, but Dr Gardner claims to not have received an adequate reply.

Michael Gibson, (Dr Gardner’s father), died on April 3 in an Oxfordshire care home. His death certificate said ‘Covid probable.’

There have been many reports of testing failures within care homes, and a concerning lack of personal protective equipment for carers and residents.

Matt Hancock stated on May 15, “Right from the beginning it’s been clear that this horrible virus affects older people most. So right from the start we’ve tried to throw a protective ring around our care homes.”

Dr Gardner said. “There is no evidence that there was a protective ring. In fact, evidence to the contrary.

“We’re seeking an admission of wrongdoing but we’re also seeking, very importantly, steps to be put in place to protect people in the future because this isn’t over.”