Covid-19 cases rising in Dorset care homes

Dorset has been seeing higher levels of infection rates in care homes.

Dorset Council say its due to Covid-19 spreading much faster than previously.

There's been a significant rise in cases in recent weeks and they're not declining as quickly as hoped.

That's impacting on staffing in care homes.

Dorset Council says its working hard to help care homes with workforce capacity and is having regular calls with care providers to give any other additional support needed. The council is also providing 24/7 emergency support.

Care homes are under significant pressure with the increased requirements of infection control, COVID testing and supporting the roll out of vaccinations.

Rachel Partridge, Assistant Director of Public Health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils, said:

"Throughout the pandemic, we've been working with the care sector, local health partners and local authorities to ensure all necessary measures are in place to protect care home residents and staff. These measures are set out by national government guidance and include ensuring good access to personal protective equipment and infection prevention and control training. In addition, Care homes are able to carry out routine testing for staff and residents to identify and isolate positive COVID cases. I want to take the opportunity to acknowledge all the hard work and care that is being given daily during these really challenging times.

"Unfortunately, due to the high number of cases of COVID-19 in our communities we are also seeing an increase in the number of outbreaks in care settings across Dorset. We are working closely with those settings and key partners to monitor the situation and provide advice and support wherever it's needed."

Cllr Laura Miller, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health at Dorset Council said:

"It is not just our statutory duty, but also our moral duty to safeguard all residents and staff in care settings in Dorset. I am acutely aware that each resident is an individual person, many with families and loved ones, and our teams always have this at the forefront of everything they do in keeping people safe.

"As this is something that impacts on the lives of residents, their families and loved ones, and staff in care settings, I don't feel it is appropriate for me to comment on individual care homes. They will continue to receive the high level of support they need and deserve at this time."

Anna Knight, Chair of the Dorset Care Homes Association said:

"It is a terribly difficult, upsetting and challenging time for the care sector right now. We are working as hard as we possibly can, with the support of our local authority and health colleagues to ensure that our residents and staff remain as safe as possible by implementing the highest level of infection control prevention measures. There are many homes with open situations in Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole which clearly evidences just how virulent this virus is. We are working harder than we have ever worked before to try and keep COVID-19 at bay.

"Our residents and families are relying on us to look after their loved ones and we are determined to continue to 'rise to the challenge.' All the care teams in Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole are working as hard, as carefully and as professionally as they can. They need as much kindness, support and positivity as we can give them to help them carry on with their outstanding work. I am proud to be part of the care sector and even prouder of my colleagues."