PANDEMIC DEATHS

Coronavirus Scotland: Multiple residents dead due to Covid-19 at Greenock care home

MULTIPLE residents have died from coronavirus at a Greenock nursing home, it has emerged.

Several people have lost their lives due to the killer bug at Merino Care Home in the Inverclyde town, operators HC-One confirmed.

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We revealed last month that one OAP had died at the care home after contracting suspected Covid-19 - and it has now been confirmed that more residents have tragically passed away since then.

The care home confirmed to The Scottish Sun that a number of deaths at the residency were unconnected to the virus.

And they also revealed that a number of workers and residents have recovered from the bug after an outbreak at the home.

A spokesperson for the home said: “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.

“Caring for our residents and supporting our colleagues is at the heart of what we do, and we are doing everything we can to make sure our residents and colleagues stay safe and well throughout these challenging times.

“We have a comprehensive coronavirus contingency plan in place, which was created by our Clinical Director and reflects the latest government guidance.

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“We have secured the medical equipment, PPE, and supplies we need to protect residents and colleagues alike.

“Colleagues have access to a range of specific coronavirus training modules, including on the correct use of PPE.

“These training modules have been regularly updated to reflect all changes in the guidance over recent weeks.

“We are also working closely with our local health and care partners.

“We are proud of our colleagues and how they have risen to the challenge of the coronavirus outbreak by showing huge dedication and commitment to our Residents.

“We are providing round-the-clock support for all our teams, and we are also grateful to Relatives for their ongoing support and understanding.”

A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said: "We are aware of the tragic deaths of residents at this care home as a result of suspected cases of Covid-19.

“Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those affected as well as the staff and wider community of the home.

We have been notified of the circumstances and are in contact with the care service and the local health and social care partnership during this difficult time.

“We do not comment on numbers of deaths or give guidance or clarification on whether deaths are unrelated to Covid-19 or not.”