Woman whose mother died from Covid: It is time for Prime Minister to resign

Martina Ferguson, whose mother Ursula Derry died in January 2021 from Covid, has been campaigning for better access for relatives to care homes - and for better safety for residents. She is also calling for a public inquiry into the handling of the issues.

“I personally think the revelations surrounding the Downing Street parties at No. 10 is absolutely shocking,” she told the News Letter. “It’s disrespectful to bereaved families and people across the country that followed the rules and regulations.

“The No. 10 parties that took place early in the pandemic happened at a time when people across the nation weren’t allowed to say goodbye to their loved ones, couldn’t hug or comfort loved ones. I was grieving the loss of my Mummy even when she was alive - I was locked out of the Care Home and wasn’t able to have any meaningful contact for 9 months with my Mum, who had advanced Dementia. There is mounting pressure for Boris Johnson to resign. I think it’s time for the Prime Minister to do the right thing and resign.”

For nine months she was only able to see her mother through the care home window, which left her “at her wits’ end”. She added: “My mother really relied on tactile sensory contact, the sensation of a hug and touch, and I understand the importance of spending meaningful quality time with a loved one in a care home.”

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