Coronavirus comments about older people condemned as 'barbaric'

Age Scotland, the national charity for older people, has branded comments made by Professor June Andrews that a Coronavirus pandemic “would be quite useful” in solving delayed discharge in hospitals as “barbaric”.

Professor Andrews’ remarks were made at a meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s Public Audit and Post-Legislative Scrutiny Committee yesterday (5th March). In her contribution, she said that “in a hospital that has 92 delayed discharges, a pandemic would be quite useful because your hospital would work because these people would be taken out of the system.”

Age Scotland’s Chief Executive Brian Sloan said:

“Her comments are barbaric and frankly, abhorrent. No one should believe this, let alone say it.

“The sweeping suggestion that the deaths of vulnerable, older people would be convenient because it would make life easier for hospitals is breathtakingly callous. It serves only to exploit the situation the nation faces with coronavirus outbreak and is wholly unwelcome.

“The more you read and listen to her words, the worse they get. I cannot believe MSPs on the committee didn’t immediately challenge her.

“These people” she casts aside are mothers, brothers, grandparents and friends. Imagine if it was you or someone close to you in this position.

“Older people who are unwell and need care should have our compassion and respect. It is not through choice that they go to hospital, but necessity. And it is not through choice that thousands are stuck there after deemed medically fit to leave, it’s because there is no social care available.

“This is an opportunity to see the best of Scotland, to help and look out for one another, rather than peddling this divisive nonsense."