Coronavirus in Scotland: Five residents die following Covid-19 outbreak at Dumfries care home

Five residents of a care home in Dumfries have died following an outbreak of Covid-19.

The deaths were at the Charnwood Lodge Care Home on Annan Road, which cares for elderly residents and patients with dementia.

Last week, NHS Dumfries and Galloway confirmed “a number of cases” at the care home.

Community Integrated Care, the charity which runs Charnwood Lodge Care Home in Dumfries, said it has carried out a full decontamination of the facility.

Charnwood Lodge Care Home in Dumfries. Photo: Google.

It is working with the local authority and public health teams and said additional “robust infection control measures” have been put in place.

Martin McGuigan, managing director at Community Integrated Care, said: “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.

“It is, however, with great sadness that we have lost five people we support as a result of the virus and our hearts go out to their loved ones, as well as our colleagues.

“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.

“We will continue to work closely with the local authority and public health teams to ensure that we are taking all necessary steps to protect everyone within the home and provide the practical and emotional support needed.”

Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership, which involves the NHS, the council and the third and independent sectors, urged everyone to do their part to limit the spread of the virus.

A partnership spokesman said: “This has been proving a very difficult and concerning situation, but we would note the dedication of Community Integrated Care and their staff at Charnwood Lodge in their response.

“Work was undertaken to contain the spread of Covid-19, and this has not been an easy task against this highly infectious virus.

“This outbreak has again demonstrated just how highly transmissible the Covid-19 virus is, even when the correct protocols are being observed.

“Covid-19 can result in mild symptoms, and sometimes none at all. This can mask its spread to more vulnerable individuals where it can pose a very significant risk.

“Following the guidance around the use of PPE (including face coverings), around physical distancing and good hygiene remains absolutely vital in reducing risk – but these are by no means an absolute guarantee of protection.

“These tools are quite simply the best measures which currently exist to help reduce the risk as much as possible, and help limit the spread of the coronavirus.”

Joan McAlpine, SNP MSP for South Scotland, tweeted on Tuesday evening: “Very sad to receive news tonight that 5 people have died after the outbreak of Covid-19 at Charnwood Lodge care home in Dumfries.

“My thoughts are with their loved ones at what is a heart-breaking time.

“This sad news shows we must all work together to suppress the virus. No part of Scotland is safe. Please stick to the rules.”

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