Skye in shock after care home deaths

Five residents have died at the care home at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak on Skye, writes Mark Entwistle.

The latest deaths were confirmed by HC-One, operators of Home Farm independent care home in Portree, on Wednesday morning as the Lochaber Times went to press.

HC-One says it has a comprehensive contingency plan in place to deal with the situation after confirming the outbreak.

A spokesperson for the care home told the Lochaber Times: ‘Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families who have lost a loved one from coronavirus and we are doing our utmost to support them during this difficult time.

‘Caring for our residents and supporting our colleagues is at the heart of what we do, and we are doing everything we can to make sure our residents and colleagues stay safe and well throughout these challenging times. We have a comprehensive coronavirus contingency plan in place, which was created by our clinical director and reflects the latest government guidance.

‘We are working closely with our local health and care partners, and we have secured the medical equipment, PPE, and supplies we need to protect residents and colleagues alike.

‘We are proud of our colleagues and their courage in rising to the coronavirus outbreak by showing huge dedication and commitment to our residents. We are providing roundthe-clock support for all our teams, and we are also grateful to relatives for their ongoing support and understanding.’

HC-One has confirmed that 30 of the home’s 34 residents have now tested positive and 27 staff also had the virus.

A mobile testing unit run by the British Army’s Black Watch battalion from The Royal Regiment of Scotland has now been set up on Skye.

Commenting on the two deaths, local MSP Kate Forbes told us: ‘This is very difficult news, after the initial confirmation of the number of positive cases. I know everybody will be reeling from this and it is going to a very difficult few days in Skye. We are all in this together, and it is important that we work together to halt the transmission of the virus.

‘I will certainly be getting regular briefings from NHS Highland to ensure everything that can be done is being done.’

Speaking on Sunday, director of public health at NHS Highland, Dr Ken Oates, said there was no evidence at this stage that the COVID-19 outbreak has seen infection spread further into the community.

‘The measures that have been put in place will support us in ensuring, as best as we can, that the outbreak is as contained as possible,’ he added.