Dumbarton care home stops new admissions after 15 reported coronavirus deaths
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie is calling for all staff and residents at Crosslet House Nursing Home to be tested
A care home in Dumbarton has stopped admitting new residents, following reports 15 people with confirmed or suspected coronavirus there have died in the last month.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said she was contacted by a whistle-blower over concerns at Crosslet House Nursing Home.
Following calls from the party to not admit any further residents, the council-run care home has announced it is not accepting new admissions.
The Care Inspectorate confirmed it is aware of a number of deaths at the site, which can house to up to 84 people.
Asked about the reports 15 people had died in recent weeks following a coronavirus outbreak, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon reiterated guidance than any new care home residents should be isolated.
Interim chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith said: “We've said, also from the beginning, that it's really important that residents of care homes are isolated, that effective infection prevention and control regimes are in place within care homes.
“All these approaches, taken together, are designed to try to maximise the safety of these care homes and particularly relevant those transitions of care whether people come from hospitals or from the community.”
West Dunbartonshire MSP Ms Baillie expressed concern about whether testing for coronavirus has taken place at the care home and called for all residents to now be checked.
The local authority said it has carried out testing of staff and residents in line with “current guidance, e.g where someone presents with symptoms.”
Ms Baillie said: “It is devastating to hear that 15 people have died at Crosslet House and my thoughts are with the families of residents affected at this time.
“Families across Scotland are understandably worried about loved ones living in care homes.
They are also angry that so few tests have been carried out, and that protective equipment is in too many cases still not reaching the front line.”
Although West Dumbartonshire Council has refused to confirm whether the suspected death toll is correct, it paid tribute to workers and said “morale among our staff remains high.”
A council spokeswoman said: “Our dedicated team of carers at Crosslet House is working round the clock to provide essential care and support to residents and their families during these unprecedented and hugely challenging weeks.
“Testing of staff and residents has already been undertaken in line with guidance and the care home is already closed to new admissions.”
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