Timeline to tragedy

MARCH 4 Gerry visits Kyle Court unaware it would be the last time he sees his mother face to face.

MARCH 12 Kyle Court enters lockdown.

APRIL 19 Gerry speaks to his mum for the last time through a window at Kyle Court.

APRIL 21 The first case of coronavirus is confirmed on the ground floor of Kyle Court.

APRIL 24 Rose falls unwell with a high temperature. Staff say a Covid-19 test will be done two days after first symptoms as this tends to provide a more accurate result.

The home’s GP says the most important thing was for her to be kept comfortable in familiar surroundings. Gerry said he disagrees, saying the most important thing is to have a chance of life.

APRIL 25 Rose rallies for a short time.

APRIL 26 Four residents have died at Kyle Court and several others are gravely ill.

At 4pm staff nurse contacts family to say Rose is“at the end of life”. The family ask that Rose is taken to hospital and learn for the first time that she had been placed on end of life medication.

APRIL 27 Rose is admitted to covid ward and receives IV fluids, paracetamol and antibiotics and is responding well. Hospital staff stop her end of life drugs immediately and re-start her normal medications.

APRIL 28 Results of two Covid-19 tests - carried out at Kyle Court and at RAH - are negative and Rose is moved to covid-free ward. Medics say she may have chest infection and is responding to antibiotics.

APRIL 30 Rose tests positive to Covid-19 in third test.

MAY 1 Rose is not responding to staff, with suggestion she may have suffered a stoke overnight.

MAY 3 Rose passes away at 4pm.