Deaths after care home COVID outbreaks in Edinburgh & West Lothian

Coronavirus outbreaks at two care homes - one in West Lothian and another in Edinburgh - have claimed the lives of 'a small number of residents.'

NHS Lothian says 53-residents and staff have tested positive at Redmill Care Home, near Whitburn, while there are at least 29-cases at Milford House in Edinburgh.

The health board says, between the two sites, fewer than five-residents have died as a result.

Further testing is being carried out, while visiting has been suspended.

Dr Frederike Garbe, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, NHS Lothian and Chair of the IMT, said: "We are working really closely with both care homes, the Health and Social Care Partnerships and the Care Inspectorate to provide all the support necessary.

"The enhanced outbreak testing regime allows us to identify staff and residents who have the virus before they become symptomatic.

"That gives us the opportunity to introduce enhanced infection control measures and barriers sooner than we would previously have been able to.

"It allows staff and residents to commence self-isolation before they become symptomatic, which in turn reduces the likelihood of passing on the infection to others.

"As part of the infection control measures, the homes were closed to visitors.

"We know this is difficult for residents and their relatives, but it is necessary to ensure the outbreaks are brought under control as quickly as possible and we and thank relatives for their co-operation and understanding.

"It also serves as a timely reminder that even if you do not yet have symptoms, you can still have COVID-19 and that is why self-isolation is crucial as soon as you have been in contact with a confirmed case."

Robert Kilgour is executive chairman of Renaissance Care which runs Milford House where 14-residents have become infected.

He told Radio Forth News: "One has tragically died, one is in hospital, and the remaining twelve are showing very mild symptoms and are fine in the care home.

"Fifteen staff who have tested positive - very mild symptoms - they are isolating.

"Milford House has remained entirely COVID-free for the past six-months, and so it's extremely disappointing that we've had this outbreak, and we're working with the authorities round the clock to deal with the situation.

"Many more residents who test positive in care homes do recover than tragically pass away. That is what we have experienced to date."

Head of policy and communications for Age Scotland, Adam Stachura added: "It does appear that the more robust testing regime that's in place in care homes now has caught cases earlier than they normally would have, and people have been able to be isolated if necessary, and the proper infection control measures implemented as quickly as they possibly could.

"In this circumstance, there is some reassurance that the processes put in place, and processes in testing and PPE - which Age Scotland has been calling for, for many months - are in place, and are working.

"As coronavirus caes spike across the country and transmission rates do rise, it's obviously going to have a knock-on impact on care homes, which is why we've all got to be desperately careful that the people who are most vulnerable are not exposed to this virus."

In a statement, the operator of Redmill Care Home, HC-One, commented: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with all families who have lost a loved one from coronavirus and we are doing our utmost to support them during this difficult time.

"This includes continuing to implement our robust infection control measures across the home and closing the home to non-essential visitors.

"Our senior team are supporting local Colleagues and coordinating our response to the outbreak, and we are collectively working closely with NHS Lothian and Public Health as we navigate this next period.

"We are in regular contact with the next of kin of our Residents, and we are grateful for their ongoing support and understanding.

"We are also proud of our colleagues and how they have shown huge dedication and commitment to our residents."

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