Care home residents dead from 'Covid-19' as staff fall ill

Five residents at an Aberdeenshire care home have died from suspected Covid-19 while three staff members have tested positive for the deadly virus.

A further five residents at Wyndwell Nursing Home in Peterhead are also displaying symptoms consistent with coronavirus.

Operator Renaissance Care said the staff affected are now self-isolating as the firm works with the relative bodies to “push for testing in our homes”.

A spokesperson from Renaissance Care said: “Despite the best efforts of our brave and committed staff, we can confirm that five residents at Wyndwell Nursing Home have sadly passed away with symptoms that may be related to Covid-19.

“Our sincere condolences and thoughts are with their loved ones during what is a very challenging and stressful time for everyone involved in the care home sector.

“Another five residents are showing symptoms of the virus. Our staff are working incredibly hard to deliver the highest possible quality of care to all residents, while following strict infection control procedures to help minimise the spread of the virus.”

The company said it was “rigorously” following government and Health Protection Scotland guidance within all of its homes, each of which was said to be equipped with the recommended PPE.

The spokesperson added: “We are unable to confirm that coronavirus is the cause as we have so far been unable to have residents tested, however three members of the Wyndwell staffing team have tested positive externally for Covid-19 and are now self-isolating.”

A number of residents have also died from suspected Covid-19 at Almond Court in Drumchapel, Wastview Care Centre in Shetland and at Glenfairn House Care Home in Ayr.

Eleven residents have died at Elderslie Residential and Nursing Care Home in Paisley, while 16 have passed away at Berelands Care Home in Prestwick.

The Care Inspectorate said it was aware of the deaths at Wyndwell Nursing Home.

A spokesperson for the watchdog said: “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those affected as well as the staff and wider community of the home.

“We have been notified of the circumstances and we are in contact with the care service and the local health and social care partnership during this difficult time.

“All of Scotland’s social care sector is working tirelessly under very difficult circumstances to care for people during the pandemic and the Care Inspectorate is doing all it can to support them.”