19 deaths at three Ross-shire care homes after COVID-19 oubreaks

Investigations are ongoing as 16 deaths at two Invergordon care homes and three at a facility near Dingwall have been confirmed.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal say they've now received 10 death reports from Castle Gardens and six from Kintyre House.

They also confirmed there has been three deaths at Fodderty House, near Dingwall, following outbreaks at the three care homes earlier this month.

A Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service spokesperson said: "The investigation into the deaths, under the direction of the Covid-19 Deaths Investigation Team (CDIT), is ongoing and the families will be updated in relation to any significant developments."

Castle Gardens operator HC-One say their residents are their "absolute priority."

A spokesperson for the home said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with all families who have lost a loved one from coronavirus.

“We are working closely with our local health partners to respond to the outbreak. We continue to implement our infection control measures and we have the staff, PPE and equipment needed to protect Residents and Colleagues.

“Our Residents are our absolute priority and we are doing everything we can to support them to return to good health.”

Sanctuary Care, who operate Kintyre House, said they're continuing to follow all relevant guidance.

A spokesman said: “While we would not comment specifically on the medical condition of any of our residents or staff, it is with great sadness that we can confirm that residents have passed away following the positive cases in the home.

"Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those residents who have died.

“As our staff deal with the unprecedented challenges posed by this pandemic, we remain in regular contact with the Scottish Government’s Health and Social Care Directorate, as we have been throughout these difficult times, and continue to closely follow the detailed public health guidance being given to care homes across the United Kingdom.”

Fodderty House said they did not wish to comment.

Meanwhile, NHS Highland have confirmed a coronavirus outbreak of 35 cases at Meallmore lodge in Inverness.

The health board say 17 residents and 18 staff members have contracted the virus.

Their Health Protection Team are working with several health partners to "try to prevent any further spread of COVID-19 within the care home and the wider community".

An NHS Highland spokesman added: "As part of this work the Health Protection Team are carrying out enhanced monitoring of staff and residents.

"The residents at Meallmore Lodge have completed the first round of COVID-19 vaccinations.

"Protection for an individual following vaccination may take two or more weeks to develop and the extent to which vaccination prevents spread of COVID-19 is still unclear.

"Contact tracing has been undertaken with the affected staff members and all cases are isolating in keeping with national guidance.

"Outbreak control measures are in place and the required infection, prevention and control measures have been reinforced.

"An NHS Highland support team has also been made available to assist the owners of the home. "

Meallmore also confirmed all their residents received their first COVID-19 vaccine earlier this month.

A spokesperson said: "The safety and wellbeing of our residents and staff is always our first priority.

"Everyone affected is currently isolating and we are following Health Protection Scotland guidance to ensure that everyone at Meallmore Lodge receives the best possible advice and care.

"Our staff team are following robust infection control practices and we are working hard to keep relatives up to date.”