Editor's column: Read it and weep ... tears of happiness and heartbreak

Emotions are running high for everyone right now. We are all only human after all.
By Nancy Fielder
Published 16th Apr 2020, 13:06 BST
Updated 16th Apr 2020, 14:01 BST
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Today’s investigation into the situation at care homes across our city is bound to have an impact on those who read it.

There are plenty of awful details in there that make you want to cry for the elderly, their loved ones and the staff.

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If things had been handled better and more quickly, there would not be so many people dying in these homes – away from their children and spouses. The fact that so many workers are fearing for their own safety, as well as desperately trying to do their best for those in their care, is truly awful. It didn’t have to be like this and, still now, urgent action is needed or the situation will get far worse. That the number of fatalities in care homes has not yet been made public keeps us in a worryingly dark place at the same time as being terrifyingly revealing.

A rainbow poster, used as a symbol of hope during the coronavirus pandemic, is seen in the window at MHA Laurel Court care home in Manchester, northwest England, on April 15, 2020. - The reported COVID-19 death toll in the UK passed the 12000 mark as fears grow about the true number of deaths in UK care homes, with charities sounding the alarm that there have been many more fatalities than reported. (Photo by Anthony Devlin / AFP) (Photo by ANTHONY DEVLIN/AFP via Getty Images)A rainbow poster, used as a symbol of hope during the coronavirus pandemic, is seen in the window at MHA Laurel Court care home in Manchester, northwest England, on April 15, 2020. - The reported COVID-19 death toll in the UK passed the 12000 mark as fears grow about the true number of deaths in UK care homes, with charities sounding the alarm that there have been many more fatalities than reported. (Photo by Anthony Devlin / AFP) (Photo by ANTHONY DEVLIN/AFP via Getty Images)
A rainbow poster, used as a symbol of hope during the coronavirus pandemic, is seen in the window at MHA Laurel Court care home in Manchester, northwest England, on April 15, 2020. - The reported COVID-19 death toll in the UK passed the 12000 mark as fears grow about the true number of deaths in UK care homes, with charities sounding the alarm that there have been many more fatalities than reported. (Photo by Anthony Devlin / AFP) (Photo by ANTHONY DEVLIN/AFP via Getty Images)

But there is also some detail that makes your heart sing. Enormous sacrifices are being made every minute of every day by so many key workers. This country was foolish to have every taken them for granted but that it most certainly did. Care home staff are invariable held in low esteem by too many and their salaries certainly reflect that. But they are worth their weight in gold to those they care for and for the peace of mind that must bring to the relatives who can no longer visit, even to say their final goodbye. The very least they deserve is the protective equipment which keeps them as safe as possible. When compared to what we are asking of them, this necessity is absoutely the bear minimum.

So here’s to all of our underpaid and overworked care workers. Please keep doing what you are doing because our elderly have earned both our respect and our love. Their’s was an amazing generation that came together when they needed to, just like we are now. Even in the best of times, we haven't always showered them with gratitude. Now we must unite to support the only people who can make a difference to their lives while the rest of us are kept away in lockdown.

If a friend or relative of yours works in a care home then do send us a photo of them and a few words. Help us share their stories and let’s tell everyone just how proud we are of what they do.