Deaths centred on care homes

Figures reveal six in 10 are residents or workers

A visibly emotional Nicola Sturgeon said she was “deeply concerned” after it was revealed care homes now account for nearly six in 10 new coronavirus deaths in Scotland.

The first minister appeared to be close to tears as she took questions from MSPS and vowed all efforts were being taken to “do the right thing” for vulnerable and elderly residents.

Statistics published yesterday by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) show care homes are now the centre of the Covid-19 pandemic in Scotland, with 59% of deaths in the week up to May 3 being registered in such facilities.

Official records show 43% of deaths in Scotland from the virus have been recorded in a care home setting since the pandemic began, with the proportion rising each week to now overtake hospitals for a second time.

More than half of Scotland’s testing capacity has not yet been taken up and Ms Sturgeon was urged at first minister’s questions to focus all unused resources on those working and living in care homes.

The SNP leader appeared to choke back her emotions after Labour MSP Neil Findlay raised concerns for residents like his own mother over the discharge of hospital patients into care homes.

Under current guidance, all residents and workers at a centre where there has been a confirmed or suspected outbreak of Covid-19 can be tested, as well as any “linked” homes if there is a joint use of staff.

All new residents should be isolated for at least a week after entering the home.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Every single one of us is deeply concerned and moved by what is happening in our care homes, and that is particularly the case for people who have relatives in care homes.

“But I don’t think there is a single one of us who does not find this a deeply and profoundly upsetting situation.”

The first minister said she understands how “deeply distressing” the situation has been for relatives, staff and the wider public but said all testing must be “clinically driven”.

“While testing is important, we must not – even inadvertently – oversimplify the situation to say that testing is the only thing that matters,” she said.

“Basic infection prevention and control is the most important thing in care homes and in dealing with a situation for this infection, or with any infection.”

Figures from the NRS also reveal a 38.9% rise in non-coronavirus-related deaths in care homes compared to the last five years.

Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw called for more mobile testing to be deployed to staff and patients in care homes, and for the Scottish Government to consider making greater use of the Army if necessary.

Picture: PA. Nicola Sturgeon.