Eight lockdown deaths at hotel used to shelter homeless

Eight people have died at a hotel in Glasgow used to shelter the homeless during lockdown.

The deaths of four men and four women at the Alexander Thomson on Argyle Street happened between April and August.

Authorities called the situation “tragic” and said other people staying at the hotel have been offered support.

Seven of the deaths have been treated as unexplained, pending the outcome of a post mortem, while one was considered non-suspicious.

The first was a 38-year-old woman on April 25, before a 21-year-old man died on May 17.

A 43-year-old man died on June 7 and a fortnight later another man, 43, died at the hotel.

On July 28, a 25-year-old man and 44-year-old woman died on the same day.

Almost a month later on August 27, a 49-year-old woman died. The following day, the only death at the hotel confirmed as non-suspicious – a 48-year-old woman – was reported.

Glasgow MSP James Kelly said it was a “horribly sad situation” and a “real cause for concern”.

The Labour politician added: “It’s long been clear that real action must be taken by Glasgow City Council to improve the conditions in homeless hostels throughout the city.

“Particularly at this time, while we are in the middle of a global pandemic and on the cusp of a second wave of Covid-19, people must be able to access the correct resources to keep themselves and others safe.”

Glasgow’s Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) said help was available to those who need it.

A spokeswoman said: “These deaths are tragic and our thoughts go out to the friends and families of those who have passed away.

“We have ensured the hotel is well supported by staff from voluntary organisations and the HSCP who provide in-reaching services and assistance to those who require it.

“These services provide accessible routes into mental health and addiction treatment services. We continue to review these arrangements with key partners regularly and where necessary, will make changes ensuring those with the most complex needs are supported.

“We have also located our Housing First Assessment Team in the hotel to support people into more settled accommodation as it becomes available with the lifting of Covid restrictions and as the city’s Registered Social Landlords return to business as usual.”

The Alexander Thomson Hotel has been approached for comment.