Coronavirus Scotland: Deaths occur in two care homes with 82 cases

Multiple Covid deaths are reported across two Scottish care homes where 82 residents have now tested positive

  • Redmill Care Home in West Lothian and Milford House in Edinburgh are affected
  • Both homes have been closed to visitors and additional testing is in place
  • ONS has reported 15,601 Covid-related deaths in care homes this year
  • But there are also fears many excess deaths have been seen in care homes 

A pair of Scottish care homes have seen major Covid outbreaks, causing multiple deaths and 82 positive tests.

Investigations are underway at Redmill Care Home in West Lothian and Milford House in Edinburgh, health bosses confirmed.

It is not known how many people died, but NHS Lothian chiefs confirmed it was fewer than five across both care homes.

Two Scottish care homes have seen coronavirus outbreaks, including Milford House in Edinburgh (pictured) where 29 people are confirmed to have the virus

In Redmill Care Home, 53 other residents and staff have tested positive, while at Milford House 29 people are confirmed to have the virus.

Both homes have now been closed to visitors and additional testing of all staff and residents has been introduced as health bosses tackle the outbreak.

The ONS has revealed there have been 15,601 deaths in care homes involving coronavirus up to the end of September in England and Wales, according to Care Home Professional.

However, it was reported earlier this summer that there were nearly 30,000 excess deaths in care homes this year compared to 2019.

Dr Frederike Garbe, consultant in public health medicine, NHS Lothian 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.

In Redmill Care Home in West Lothian (pictured) 53 residents and staff have tested positive and some have died from the virus

In Redmill Care Home in West Lothian (pictured) 53 residents and staff have tested positive and some have died from the virus

‘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.’

Additional supportive visits by the Care Home Support Teams to both homes have already taken place.

These provide more support to staff around updated guidance, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and infection control measures.