From carer to killer: Urgent calls for change

Article excerpt

One carer per month in England and Wales kills the person they're supposed to be caring for, a stark finding that has prompted urgent demands for systemic reform. The statistic emerges from investigations into deaths that might have been prevented through better safeguards, training, and oversight of the care sector. Experts point to inadequate background checks, insufficient supervision, and a lack of accountability as critical vulnerabilities. The cases span residential facilities, hospitals, and home care settings, affecting vulnerable populations including the elderly and disabled. Campaigners and officials are now pushing for tighter regulations and better coordination between health, social services, and law enforcement to catch warning signs earlier.