A frustrated dad has said more needs to be done to find alternative ways to test for covid because of the stress it can cause those with disabilities.
Paul Smailes has called on the government to invest more money into researching and developing test kits for vulnerable people that are more humane.
Mr Smailes, who has a disabled son and also works part time looking after vulnerable people, told the ECHO of the difficulty of testing using the swab in the mouth and nose.
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The 58-year-old from St Helens said vulnerable people often don't understand why a swab would have to go down their nose or throat.
He said: "My son doesn't understand why something needs to be put up his nose — he won't tolerate it.
"I also do part time work with vulnerable people where I have to try and attempt to test them and it's just impossible.
"Surely in this day and age with the technology the government has invested in there can be a way vulnerable people can be tested.
"It's unfair on these people and different testing could help save lives."
Mr Smailes' 21-year-old Luke has been in supported living since 2017 and during the pandemic has shown symptoms of Covid-19.
But Mr Smailes adds it was impossible to test him as it put him under a huge amount of stress and wasn't "humane."
He said: "If you don't understand and someone's coming at you with a swab trying to put it down your throat, you would be confused.
"There needs to be development into test kits for vulnerable people to make it more humane.
"You can't just say I need to do a test to some people with disabilities. Some just don't understand.
"We need to catch covid before it escalates. We need a better way to treat them.
"All I want is vulnerable people to be tested and not discriminated against.
"Their lives matter."
Mr Smailes couldn't visit his son Luke in his supported living for large parts of the pandemic because of the risk of covid transmission.
He said: "It was heartbreaking. I used to sob my heart out.
"I used to go down and look through the window and my son would be there pointing at me. He didn't understand.
"Then I got a call saying he was showing symptoms and I wanted to put a tent in the garden.
"He couldn't be tested. He could have deteriorated and got worse.
"Luckily he didn't, but if there was a way he could be tested we wouldn't have to worry.
"Even now when he comes home and he starts coughing I think has he got it?
"How do we test the vulnerable? That's the answer I'm after."
Mr Smailes believes the vulnerable have been "brushed under the carpet" by the government and not enough has been done to keep them safe.
That's why he has taken the next step by starting a petition calling for the government to invest in finding alternative testing methods.
After a previous petition to install a disability accessible swing in St Helens gained significant support from people, Mr Smailes is confident he can bring to light the need for new methods.
He said: "I speak from experience from having a disabled son and working with disabled people — they're still discriminated to this day.
"In the long run, different testing will help save lives. Vulnerable people are dying.
"I believe disabled people should have a voice. Some like my son can't, so I'm determined to be their voice for them.
"It's stressful having a loved one in your life, but it's also so rewarding.
"I'll always be my son's voice until the day I die."
You can support Mr Smailes' campaign here.
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