Coronavirus in Scotland: Three more deaths at Dumfries care home

A further three residents have died in a Covid-19 outbreak at a care home in Dumfries

Charnwood Lodge in Dumfries.

There have now been a total of 10 deaths at Charnwood Lodge Care Home.

An outbreak at the home, which cares for around 60 elderly residents and patients with dementia, was announced last month.

Community Integrated Care, which manages the home, said on October 21 that there had been five deaths.

The Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership said on Thursday that this number had risen to ten.

A spokesperson for the HSCP said the partnership is working closely with CIC, and that work was begun immediately to contain the spread of the virus.

They said: “Following an outbreak of Covid-19 at Charnwood Lodge Care Home in Dumfries, Community Integrated Care - the charity which runs the home - and Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership have been working in close partnership to ensure all necessary plans and protocols are in place to manage the outbreak.

"Very sadly, within the past week there has been a further three deaths of residents where Covid was recorded as being present, bringing the total to ten.

“Thoughts continue to be with families and with staff at this time.

“Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership note that has been a very difficult and distressing situation for all involved, and note the swift action, dedication and commitment of care home operators Community Integrated Care and their colleagues in how they have responded.

“Work was immediately undertaken to contain the spread of Covid-19, and this has not been an easy task against what is an invisible and highly transmissible virus. This outbreak demonstrates just how challenging it is to contain the virus even when all the correct protocols are being observed.”

Martin McGuigan, managing director at Community Integrated Care, said on announcing the outbreak: “As soon as the outbreak developed, we took immediate action. We conducted a full decontamination of the home and implemented a number of additional robust infection control measures.”

She added: “We have been astounded by the incredible efforts and professionalism of the entire staff team who have done their utmost to support residents, families and each other through this incredibly challenging time.”

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