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The latest figures reveal that Lothian has had more coronavirus-related deaths in nursing homes than hospitals.
The previous week’s figures showed that nursing home deaths were equal to hospital fatalities in Lothian but now nursing home deaths are higher.
In Lothian, of the 370 deaths related to Covid-19 to date, 186 were in nursing homes, 50.2 per cent. Another 156 occurred at hospitals and 28 were at home.
Last week, the death toll in Lothian stood at 256 but the new figures reveal another 114 people have since died due to the cornavirus.
Other health boards showed a rise in care home deaths but only Lothian and Grampian have more at nursing homes than in hospitals at this stage.
In Greater Glasgow, 38 per cent of deaths happened in nursing homes. Of the 741 deaths in the area, 282 were in nursing homes, 415 at hospital and the other 44 were at home.
In West Lothian, there were another 12 deaths in the past week, related to Covid-19, taking the toll up to 46. Ten of these were in nursing homes, eight at home and 28 were in hospital.
Almond Valley MSP Angela Constance said:“It is certainly the case that our care homes are at the front line of the battle against coronavirus.
“Therefore the expansion of testing to include all staff and residents in care homes, even when they are not showing symptoms, is an important step forward.
“Going forward we must ensure that our oldest citizens receive the very best of care and protecting the health of staff caring for our elders must remain a top priority.
“For those of us who have elderly relatives or who have lost a loved one recently, this is a matter close to our hearts and of the upmost importance.”
Conservative Lothian list MSP Miles Briggs said:“My condolences are with family and friends of everyone who has tragically died from Covid-19.
“It is extremely concerning that in Edinburgh and the Lothians we are now in a position where there are more deaths in care homes than there are in hospitals.
“Care home residents are highly at risk to Covid-19 and every measure must be taken to protect care home residents, including full PPE being available, regular testing for Covid-19 and full training for staff on infection prevention.”
Labour Lothian list MSP Neil Findlay said: “The situation in our care homes is very worrying for residents and staff alike.
“My heart goes out to the staff working in very difficult circumstances and the families of those who have lost loved ones.
“It is clear the earlier decision to send patients from hospital into care homes without testing them has proved to be disastrous. We have find out who made this decision and why.
“Despite continual assurances that PPE supplies are sufficient, we are still hearing too many homes raise concerns about shortages of PPE. Too often words of Government Ministers is not reflected in the reality on the ground.”
As of April 26, there were 2272 deaths registered in Scotland where Covid-19 has been mentioned. Over a third of all registered deaths occurred in care homes, at 39 per cent, 52 per cent were in hospitals and nine per cent at home.
Almost three-quarters of registered deaths involving Covid-19 to date were people aged 75 or over. Of all deaths, 53 per cent were male and 47 per cent female.
I wanted to give everyone a little joy and giggle at this challenging time . I loved seeing everyone smile… Natalie McCrimmon