Caremark Cambridge & South Cambridgeshire Comments on Covid-19 Impact Inquiry

“This inquiry is an important opportunity to recognise the unique pressures that in-home care providers faced — operating at the front line, yet often overlooked in the broader social care narrative,” said Robert Johnstone, Managing Director of Caremark Cambridge & South Cambridgeshire. “Unlike residential care homes, we worked tirelessly to adapt our services to ensure continuity of care, while maintaining rigorous infection-control standards.”

The inquiry, currently entering a key phase of month-long hearings, is aimed at uncovering the pandemic’s lasting legacy on social care. As this nationwide review progresses, Caremark emphasises the vital role of domiciliary care services in supporting people to live independently and safely in their own homes.

Caremark highlights specific areas they believe require focused attention:

• Sustainability of the in-home workforce: “Our carers demonstrated extraordinary resilience, but the pandemic exacerbated long-standing recruitment and retention challenges. Moving forward, adequate funding and ongoing support for professional development are crucial,” added Johnstone.

• Infection control and PPE in domestic settings: “Home-based care presented complex challenges — caring in multiple household environments required us to rapidly procure PPE, train staff, and redesign care delivery. We urge the inquiry to fully consider those often hidden operational pressures.”

• Mental health and carer welfare: “Providing care during a pandemic took a toll on both clients and carers. Ensuring structured mental health support must remain a top priority,” Johnstone emphasised.

Additionally, Caremark underscores the importance of recognising the full spectrum of social care — including in-home services — in national responses.

“Too often, public dialogue centres on care homes and hospitals. Yet, the impact on domiciliary care providers must also shape funding, workforce planning, and policy initiatives going forward,” Johnstone remarked.

On the broader significance of the inquiry, he continued:

“We welcome this next phase of public hearings. Social care cannot be forgotten again — a reminder made all the more compelling as we reflect on the sacrifices of the individuals and families we support.”

Caremark Cambridge & South Cambridgeshire remains committed to engaging proactively with the inquiry, sharing frontline perspectives, and collaborating with policymakers to strengthen resilience across all social care settings.

About Caremark Cambridge & South Cambridgeshire

Caremark is an award-winning provider of tailored in-home care services. Supporting people to live independently in their own homes, Caremark delivers services ranging from personal care and companionship to complex care support. The Cambridge & South Cambridgeshire franchise is dedicated to high standards of client care, compassionate staffing, and community integration.

Media Contact
Company Name: Caremark Cambridge & South Cambridgeshire
Contact Person: Robert Johnstone
Email: Send Email
Phone: 01223 778818
Address:Unit 7, Grange Park Broadway, Bourn
City: Cambridge
State: Cambridgeshire, CB23 2TA
Country: United Kingdom
Website: https://www.caremark.co.uk/locations/cambridge-and-south-cambridgeshire/