Bosses confirm case at sheltered housing

A case of coronavirus has been confirmed within a sheltered housing complex in Causewayhead.

The complex is at Hanover Court.

In a letter shown to the Observer, which was circulated to residents at the weekend, bosses said: ‘This letter is to inform you that there has been a confirmed case of coronavirus identified at your development.

“Please note we cannot provide personal information about the health of any individual.

‘We would like to reassure you that Hanover has already carried out robust cleaning of critical areas at the development. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide extra cleaning as and when needed.

‘We appreciate that the current situation is likely to make people anxious.

‘These are unprecedented times and we are working closely with our partners to deliver services and support residents.’

The family member of one resident, who does not wish to be named, told the Observer that the manager at the complex was no longer working on the site. Hanover Scotland, who manage the facility, say staff are working from home where possible.

A spokesperson confirmed the case of Covid-19 to the Observer and said: “At Hanover Scotland, protecting the health and wellbeing of our residents and staff is of paramount importance. These are unprecedented times and in these circumstances, business as usual is not an option.

“Our senior management team is working with all of our staff to ensure the continued delivery of high quality services to our residents. From the very earliest stages of this crisis, we have taken steps to protect the health and safety of residents and staff and to comply with government and NHS advice.

“We made the decision that where possible, staff would work from home.

“At Hanover Court, residents are still receiving daily service calls from their manager, who is doing these remotely.

“Residents can activate their community alarm at any time of the day or night and speak to a member of our telecare staff.

“Staff are visiting the development three times a week to carry out cleaning and to perform essential health and safety checks. We are encouraging residents to contact us if they have any issues and they can do this by calling 0800 111 46 46.”

Hanover has also launched a scheme of telephone befriending to provide extra support to resident who feel they need it.

The family member said some elderly residents are aged between 80-95 years old “most with health issues, deafness, impaired sight and sight loss, as well as dementia”.

The development is made up of 29 mostly one-bedroomed flats over three levels.