Scrutinising institutions

Clifton care home loses third of residents during Covid-19 outbreak

Seven people with coronavirus symptoms have died at Carlton Mansions in Clifton, the Cable has been told.

Bristol prisoner dies while awaiting trial during coronavirus lockdown

Lawyers and campaigners are calling on the government to “show political courage and rapidly reduce the prison population to save lives”.

Council owned Bristol Energy put up for sale amid controversy

Opposition councillors are demanding a full inquiry into loss-making Bristol Energy after the city council put it up for sale.

Revealed: Bristol care workers speak out amid confusion and scramble for PPE during covid-19 outbreaks

New data reveals 60 care home residents have died from coronavirus in two weeks, but some homes with outbreaks haven't had more residents tested.

Mayor Rees calls for Government bailout to plug £82m blackhole

Mayor Marvin Rees is pleading with the Government for an NHS-style bailout for local authorities as he warned it will take Bristol years to recover from the coronavirus.

‘We need better data and more testing to avoid coronavirus deaths in our care homes’

New data reveals that nearly one in three of Bristol’s coronavirus deaths have taken place in care homes. Nick Lawrence, a Cable member who used to work in public health, is baffled by the lack of up-to-date data and the government’s testing strategy.

UPDATE: Housing association U-turn means Bristol Uni students spared £1,500 rent payment

First year students at the University of Bristol were told they had to pay rent despite the university closing down because their halls were run by a private provider.

Bristol’s NHS trusts scaling up critical care capacity while hospital admissions remain stable

Internal emails said one of Bristol’s hospital trusts had planned to triple capacity, but local NHS bosses have declined to reveal more detail on their preparations.

Sacked Bristol Uni temp workers to get coronavirus support after backlash

The university had been criticised for its decision to not enroll 84 temporary staff on the Government Job Retention Scheme. But staff are concerned that the move falls short of full protection.

Coronavirus testing finally announced for Bristol’s key workers, but more rises in deaths expected for weeks

In an in-depth interview, Bristol director of public health says the south west is responding well to the crisis despite criticisms of the UK’s handling of the outbreak.

Whose life to save? Investigating the ‘do not resuscitate’ form coronavirus controversy

After families spoke out about their loved ones being pressured into refusing treatment if they get COVID-19, Bristol healthcare workers say there's far more to the story.

Private Bristol student housing company refusing rent relief despite coronavirus exodus

Students in university-owned halls aren’t being charged if they’ve moved out, but a group of first-year students in privately owned halls have fallen through the cracks and may be forced to cough up £1,500.