Care home near St Austell confirms deaths of 11 residents with coronavirus
Bosses say some were already very ill with underlying health conditions before the outbreak in January
11 residents with coronavirus have died at a care home in Cornwall.
That is a quarter of all those at Trecarrel, based at Tywardreath near St Austell.
Officials tell us some were already ill with underlying health conditions before the outbreak in January.
Bosses say their thoughts are with the families affected and there have been no further cases in ten days.
The home remains closed to visitors and staff are carefully following the detailed guidance being provided by Public Health England and the Government.
The home keeps in contact with families on a regular basis to keep them updated.
"Cornwallis Care Services' Ethos is to provide care with warmth, dignity and kindness. We believe in respecting our residents' wishes, to provide dedicated person centred care whilst giving residents the right to make their own decisions. We strive to ensure that our homes provide an environment where residents feel a sense of contentment each and every day. Every member of our team shares the same goal of providing the highest standards that are paramount in ensuring that residents are offered the best possible care in a friendly and courteous manner.
"Trecarrel Care Home, has continued to work openly with Public Health England (South West), Cornwall Council and CQC, and kept them fully informed.
"Following a rigorous regular testing programme of both staff and residents at Trecarrel, COVID 19 infections were initially identified on 24th January, subsequent to the residents, GP administered, COVID-19 vaccination programme. Following this, CCSL sadly confirm that there have now been 11 COVID-19 related deaths at Trecarrel in a community of 44 residents. Some of these COVID-19 related deaths have been amongst residents who were already very ill with underlying health conditions. Our thoughts and concerns are with the families and residents affected and we are always available for any help and support that is requested of us. The Home has been, and remains, in frequent communication with relatives throughout, via telephone and post.
"CCSL have also provided advice and guidance to all staff regarding how to limit any possible onward transmission to the local community and furthermore, the regular testing regimens in the home mean that cases amongst staff are identified early so staff, and their close contacts, can self-isolate to reduce the risk of onward transmission within and outside the care setting.
"There have been no further positive cases registered since 05 February.
"CQC assessed the Home's COVID-19 procedures on 08 December 2020, with the current Manager in post. Their inspection findings were published on 06 January 2021 and found procedures to be fit for purpose. This inspection is accessible to all members of the public and is a matter of public record".
Cornwallis Care Services Ltd
Cornwall Council says it is supporting staff and residents, together with Public Health England South West and local NHS colleagues.
"The home remains closed to visitors and staff are carefully following the detailed guidance that is being provided by Public Health England and the Government. The home keeps in contact with families on a regular basis to keep them updated.
"We have worked closely with staff at Trecarrel to support them in containing the outbreak by evaluating all working practices, testing, cleaning regimes and isolation procedures. All practices are constantly reviewed to ensure stringent Covid-safe practices are being followed.
"Trecarrel has also provided advice and guidance to all staff regarding how to limit any possible onward transmission to the local community. The regular testing regimens in the home mean that cases amongst staff are identified early so they and their close contacts can self-isolate to reduce the risk of onward transmission within and outside the care setting.
"Care homes in general across the country have seen an increase in cases in recent weeks with the new variants in circulation which is easily transmissible.
"Throughout the pandemic we have supported and advised homes on testing and robust infection prevention and control measures such as regular safety risk assessments, strict cleaning practices, ensuring good ventilation and having a designated Covid-secure visiting space".
Cornwall Council