16 DEAD AT CARE HOME
First Minister heartbroken as Age Scotland calls for inquiry
A FURTHER three people have lost their lives at a tragedy-hit care home, taking the death toll to 16 in just over a week.
None of the deceased were tested for Covid-19 as they were not admitted to hospital but their families have been informed of a possible association with the virus.
Age Scotland has called for an inquiry into why the sick have not been treated in hospital.
It is thought several more residents at the 90-bed Burlington Care Home in Queenslie, Glasgow, are showing coronavirus symptoms.
All of the residents who died had underlying health conditions.
It is understood 12 were showing symptoms of the deadly virus.
Two staff members at the home are in hospital being treated for coronavirus after testing positive.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was “heartbroken”.
She added: “I can confirm today that the provider of the Burlington Care Home has notified the Care Inspectorate of 16 deaths over the period from March 27 to today.
“Twelve of those were displaying symptoms consistent with Covid-19. We remain in close contact with Burlington Care Home through the inspectorate.
“The home currently has sufficient staff cover and it also has adequate supplies of personal protective equipment.”
Age Scotland CEO Brian Sloan said: “We’d like to know whether age played a factor in the decision-making process in this case. We strongly believe someone’s age or the fact they are a care home resident should not be used as a proxy for their health status.
“We would be very concerned if any blanket policies were applied to decide whether or not someone is admitted to hospital.”
Sean Clerkin, of the Scottish Tenants’ Association, said: “I am shocked to learn elderly people showing symptoms of coronavirus died at Burlington Court Care Home without any of these elderly
people being tested for Covid-19, as none were taken to hospital.
“It is seeming to confirm a policy of the elderly being left in care homes to die.
“If this is unstated policy throughout the UK, it has to stop and the elderly, where possible, should be given every chance of living by being taken to hospital and put on a ventilator.
“They are human beings with dignity, not numbers to be written off.”
Previously, Four Seasons Health Care, which operates the home, said: “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.”
The home is liaising with the Care Inspectorate.
A Care Inspectorate spokesman said: “We are aware of the tragic death of residents at this care home as a result of Covid-19.”