‘We’re doing everything we can to make sure our residents stay safe’
Tullibody care home deaths
Residents have died after an outbreak of Covid-19 at a care home in Tullibody.
HC-One which runs The Orchard Care Home on Lynchgate Road said residents had died after contracting coronavirus but declined to state the number, adding it is not their policy to do so.
Public health teams have been working with staff to control the spread of the virus in The Orchard. A spokeswoman for Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership said: “We are working closely with local GPs and NHS Forth Valley’s Public Health team to provide dedicated support to Orchard Care Home during the Covid-19 pandemic, and are closely monitoring all care homes in the area as we continue to do everything possible to support residents, local staff and the care home operators at this challenging time.”
The care home is equipped to look after 58 people and provides care for those suffering from dementia.
A spokeswoman told the Stirling Observer: “The care home previously experienced an outbreak and that sadly some residents have passed away - a contributing factor for some of these deaths was suspected or confirmed coronavirus.
“The home is now in ‘recovery’.” HC-One operates three care homes in Stirling - Forthbank, Annfield House and Fairview - as well as The Orchard in Tullibody.
They have confirmed that a resident in Forthbank in Drip Road has tested positive for the virus and “all processes are in place to isolate and support the individual”. Annfield House and Fairview are free of the virus.
In an official statement, the company offered sympathies to the families of those who have lost someone to Covid-19 and said: “HCOne have been regularly keeping in touch with the next of kin of our residents at The Orchard care home to inform them of the situation, as well as providing the necessary updates on their loved ones.
“Relatives can call the home for updates and they can also contact our Relative Support Team, who can answer questions and are also able to arrange updates directly from the home.”
They also moved to provide reassurances around the use of PPE adding: “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 have secured the medical equipment, PPE, and supplies we need to protect residents and colleagues alike.
“Colleagues have access to a range of specific coronavirus training modules, including on the correct use of PPE. These training modules have been regularly updated to reflect all changes in the guidance over recent weeks.”
As of May 18, 209 residents have died in HC-One’s 56 Scottish care homes with suspected or confirmed Covid-19.