Coronavirus: Eight residents die of suspected COVID-19 at Merseyside care home
Eight residents of a care home in Merseyside have died of suspected coronavirus.
A boss at Green Heys Care Home in Waterloo, Merseyside, praised his staff as he confirmed the deaths of eight people, who had symptoms of COVID-19.
Mark Adams, chief executive officer for Community Integrated Care, which runs the home, said: “As soon as an outbreak developed at Green Heys Care Home, we were able to respond swiftly and robustly.
“I have been astounded by the incredible efforts and professionalism of the staff team, who have done their utmost to support residents, families and each other through this incredibly challenging time.”
Read more: London's NHS Nightingale 'largely empty' and ‘only had 19 patients’ over Easter
Adams added: “It is with great sadness that we have lost eight people supported at the home to suspected coronavirus.
“Whilst this is a devastating number, it may have been higher had it not been for the dedicated and selfless response of our team, who have exemplified the commitment, bravery and skill that exists within the social care workforce.”
Latest coronavirus news, updates and advice
Live: Follow all the latest updates from the UK and around the world
Fact-checker: The number of COVID-19 cases in your local area
6 charts and maps that explain how COVID-19 is spreading
The news comes after it was announced on Monday that 13 residents at Stanley Park care home in County Durham had died after displaying coronavirus symptoms.
The government is now facing a growing backlash over its handling of COVID-19 cases in care homes.
Ministers are facing under intense scrutiny after social care providers said official figures on deaths do not match what they are seeing on the ground.
Industry bosses have said daily death tolls are “airbrushing out” hundreds of older people who have died in the care system.
Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, which represents independent social care services, said there have been thousands of cases and deaths in care homes.
HC-One, Britain’s biggest care home operator, said two-thirds of its homes are affected and that it has seen more than 300 deaths.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director of Age UK, said the lack of personal protective equipment and testing in care homes was leading to coronavirus “running wild”.
She joined leaders from Marie Curie, Care England, Independent Age and the Alzheimer’s Society in writing a letter to health secretary Matt Hancock demanding a care package to support social care through the pandemic.
Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, confirmed on Monday that COVID-19 outbreaks had been recorded at 92 care homes in the UK in a single day.
Speaking at the daily press briefing, he said around 13.5% of care homes had registered an outbreak.
“If an outbreak is suspected, public health authorities will go in to do testing to assess if an outbreak has taken place,” he added.
On Wednesday morning it was announced that all care home residents and staff with symptoms of COVID-19 are to be tested.
Coronavirus: what happened today?
Click here to sign up to the latest news, advice and information with our daily Catch-up newsletter
