Care home’s Covid deaths reach double figures
TWO deaths in the past fortnight have taken the toll of resident fatalities from Covid-19 at an Accrington care home into double figures.
The owners of Springhill Care Centre said 39 of its 212 staff have tested positive for the virus since the New Year, while four residents and two staff are currently self-isolating at the home, on Fairfield Street. Centre owners Prime Life say the total number of residents who have passed away due to Covid-19 since March 2020 is 11.
A Prime Life spokeswoman said: “Increased infection control measures have been put into place in the home and staff are wearing full PPE at all times.”
TWO deaths in the past fortnight have taken the toll of resident fatalities from Covid-19 at an Accrington care home into double figures.
The owners of Springhill Care Centre said 39 of its 212 staff have tested posted for the virus since the New Year, while four residents and two staff are currently self-isolating at the home, on Fairfield Street.
Centre owners Prime Life say the total number of residents who have sadly passed away due to Covid-19 since March 2020 is now 11.
The Observer got in touch with the home after being contacted by a son whose father passed away on Sunday, January 31.
The son, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed his father, who had been on the dementia ward, died last weekend after contracting Covid at the start of the month.
However, he added that the carers at the home had been “wonderful” in looking after his father.
Another relative of a resident confirmed they had also tested positive before their death late last month.
A Prime Life spokeswoman said: “Since 1st January 2021, we have had 39 staff who have tested positive for Covid-19, which put into context with the number of staff employed, is a relatively small number.
“There are currently four residents self-isolating in the home.
“The home is working closely with Lancashire County Council and PHE [Public Health England].
“Increased infection control measures have been put into place in the home and staff are wearing full PPE at all times.
“Staff are being tested by using the lateral flow tests at least twice weekly, or as determined appropriate by PHE.
“These tests are backed up by using the PCR testing at least weekly or as again determined to be appropriate by PHE.
“Visits to the home by relatives can take place in an external visitor centre – all appointments are made in advance using a booking system, visitors have to complete a selfdeclaration form, have their temperature taken and wear PPE before a visit can take place.”
A message on the home’s web page read: “Prime Life understand that you may be worried about the effect the coronavirus (Covid-19) will have on your relatives living in our care homes.
“Prime Life are committed to safeguarding both its residents, visitors and staff throughout this crisis.”
The home, registered for a maximum of 116 service users, was rated Good overall by the Care Quality Commission following its latest inspection in 2019.
The gov.uk dashboard says 179 people overall have died with Covid-19 in the borough during the pandemic.