Thirteen residents at a care home in Glasgow have died following a suspected outbreak of coronavirus in the past week.
Two staff members at Burlington Court in Cranhill have also tested positive for the virus and are receiving treatment at separate hospitals.
The care home, which is operated by Four Seasons Health Care, offered their condolences to the residents’ families.
The 90-bed home cares for residents with a variety of conditions, including dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and epilepsy.
The deaths have been linked to Covid-19, however it is understood that not all of the victims have been tested for the virus.
‘Within the home the focus of the team continues to be the ongoing care and protection of all our residents and our colleagues, two of whom are currently being treated for coronavirus.’
Four Seasons Health Care spokesperson
A spokesperson for Four Seasons Health Care said: “With deep sadness we can confirm that 13 residents at Burlington Care Home have passed away over the past seven days.
“Our condolences are with their families and we are providing them with our ongoing support during this difficult time.
“The passing of a loved one is always traumatic irrespective of the circumstances.
“Within the home the focus of the team continues to be the ongoing care and protection of all our residents and our colleagues, two of whom are currently being treated for coronavirus.
“Our strict protocols on infectious diseases are in place, including social distancing, and we are closely monitoring the health of the other residents and colleagues.
“In these exceptional circumstances we are sincerely grateful for the dedication of our colleagues and can assure our residents and their families that we are putting all our resources and energy into supporting and protecting everyone in our homes.”
The First Minister has offered her condolences to the families of those affected.
Ms Sturgeon tweeted: “My thoughts are with all the residents of the Burlington Court Care home and especially with the families of those who have died there or elsewhere with #COVID19.
“We are working hard to control this virus and will offer all the support we can to this and other care homes.
“I am thinking too of the staff of this and all care homes – they are doing a necessary but very tough job and I am so grateful to each and every one.”
‘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.’
Care Inspectorate spokesperson
A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said: “We are aware of the tragic death of residents at this care home as a result of Covid-19.
“Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those affected as well as the 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 under very difficult circumstances to care for people during the pandemic and the Care Inspectorate is doing all it can to support them.”
Church of Scotland minister Rev Muriel Pearson, of Cranhill Parish Church, will conduct the funeral for one of the residents on Monday.
She said: “Our congregation have been involved with folks living in Burlington Care Home since it was built, regularly visiting to lead worship.
“The community will be desperately shocked and saddened by the news that so many families have lost loved ones in recent days.”
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