From my experience of supporting the Father Hudson’s Care charity, which provides a range of social care and support services across the Archdiocese of Birmingham, I agree with many of the concerns expressed in your editorial (“Shameful acts of disregard”, 2 May). With the epidemic sweeping through care homes after many years of lack of adequate public resourcing, it does, as you say, “betray an attitude of indifference to the elderly”.

However, such an attitude is in no way reflected in the care provided. I have been overwhelmed by the bravery, dedication and sheer love shown by our care staff in caring for our residents. They deserve the loudest “shout out” for their wonderful work at this most challenging of times.

Kevin Caffrey
Chair of trustees, Father Hudson’s care, Derby

Your editorial of 2 May makes unfounded accusations against the government in connection with care homes.

You state: “It looks as if the lives of the elderly have been sacrificed to protect the political reputations of government ministers. That is shameful and intolerable.” There is no evidence that personal reputation has been a motivator for any government minister during this crisis. These relatively inexperienced ministers have been faced with an impossible situation, trying to balance a number of imperatives whilst acting on
the best medical and scientific advice they can obtain.