Death toll in care homes in Ayrshire rises to 44
Figures show at least 44 care home residents have died after contracting corona virus in Ayrshire.
The shocking figures released by the National Records of Scotland ( NRS) revealed 537 Scottish care home residents have now died from the virus.
The statistics take in deaths up to Sunday, April 19, and are released every Wednesday – so that number is expected to rise again significantly today.
In South Ayrshire’s care homes 26 have died from the virus, while in East Ayrshire that number is seven.
In North Ayrshire, 11 have died.
Last week we told how 20 residents had died from coronavirus at Prestwick’s Berelands Care Home.
That news came after four people had been killed by the disease at Ayr’s Glenfairn Care Home.
Commenting on the figures Theresa Fyffe, Director, Royal College of Nursing, Scotland said: “Today’s figures again show the devastating impact this virus is having on the most vulnerable in our communities, with a third of all deaths involving COVID- 19 occurring in care homes.
“Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and the staff who have cared for them.
“The steps outlined by the Cabinet Secretary yesterday should provide additional support to Scotland’s care homes but staff onthe ground need to be assured that they will be given the resources and equipment they need, when they need it.
“The RCN has been speaking out on behalf of care home staff and residents and will continue to do so.” Meanwhile, the NRS revealed a total of 120 Ayrshire and Arran residents have died as a result of contracting coronavirus.
In South Ayrshire 43 people have died, while in East Ayrshire that number is 30. In North Ayrshire 44 have died.
Ayrshire has the fourthhighest death toll per health board in the country.
Figures released on Monday revealed 1,262 Scottish hospital patients who had tested positive have died. Adding care home and at home fatalities to that figure reveals 1,968 deaths have now been registered in Scotland where COVID- 19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
Most deaths occur in hospitals ( 56 per cent) while a third of deaths happen in care homes ( 33 per cent).
One in 10 deaths occur at home or non- institutional settings ( 10 per cent).
On Monday a total of 721 Ayrshire residents had tested positive for coronavirus.
The figures released by the Scottish Government also revealed 101 people were being treated for the disease in Ayrshire hospitals – while seven of those were in intensive care.
Meanwhile, NHS Ayrshire & Arran bosses revealed their vital key workers make up a third of those positive tests in the region.
Figures released by the health board on Monday show that 252 NHS staff and 15 household residents have now contracted the deadly bug. This is a rise of 36 from the previous week.