Death toll in care homes is ‘tragedy’
More than half of deaths across the region this week were in care homes figures show
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney has told the Perthshire Advertiser that care home deaths are “one of the great tragedies of this pandemic.”
Figures released this week from the National Records of Scotland revealed there were 11 more COVID-19 deaths in Perth and Kinross last week, with more than half of them in care homes.
Nearly a third of all deaths across the region have now happened in care homes.
Statistics released on Wednesday showed that during the week May 4-10, the number of registered deaths in Perth and Kinross from COVID-19 rose from 43 to 54.
The number of registered deaths in Perth and Kinross care homes also increased from 11 to 17.
Deputy first minister, John Swinney said: “One of the great tragedies of this pandemic is the high percentage of COVID-19 related deaths emerging from care homes.
“We can see from other countries’ death rates that this is not a trend unique to Scotland, but this will be of no comfort to families who have lost loved ones.
“As the first minister outlined on Wednesday, the Scottish Government has increased testing and surveillance in care homes, in line with clinical advice. In care homes where there has been a COVID-19 case, we now have testing in place for all staff and residents, regardless of whether or not they are symptomatic.
“Should any of my constituents have concerns about the situation in their own or a family member’s care home, I would ask that they contact my office directly.”
Scottish Conservative MSP Liz Smith warned residents the figures showed “we are by no means out of the woods yet” in the battle to contain the spread of COVID-19.
She said: “These statistics show exactly why we need to be extremely cautious about any moves to ease lockdown.
“It is very clear that we are by no means out of the woods just yet and therefore it is important to minimise any risks.”
She added: “They also show exactly why increasing the rate of testing, especially in care homes, is so critical something which has been a consistent demand of the Scottish Conservatives.”
It is understood that, in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak in a care home, Perth and Kinross care homes are supported by NHS Tayside’s health protection team and the health a social care partnership.
The health protection team provides guidance and support to the care homes including discussing extra precautions, such as closing the care home to new admissions or isolating residents if it is appropriate to do so.
Decisions are reviewed with the care home team on a daily basis.