Nine residents in single East Lothian care home die with deaths linked to coronavirus

The elderly residents all died in the last ten days.

Nine residents in an East Lothian care home have died in the space of ten days as another Scottish care home was hit by the coronavirus.

Not all of the residents in Tranent Care Home were tested for the virus, but it is understood that the deaths are being linked to COVID-19.

The care home, operated by HC-One, also specialises in palliative and dementia care and has 60 beds.

Tranent Care Home

It follows other outbreaks at Castle View care home in Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire, where eight residents died after showing coronavirus symptoms, and Burlington care home in North Lanarkshire, where 13 died.

Owners HC-One said they would not comment on the number of deaths at the Tranent home, and told The Scottish Sun: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with those who have lost a loved one.

“We are doing what we can to support them. And we are working closely with our local health and care partners and continuing to take action to secure the medical equipment, PPE and supplies we need to protect residents and colleagues alike.”

"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.”

The spokesman added the home was stocked with thousands of PPE items in line with government guidance.

She added: "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 we are in contact with the care service and the local health and social care partnership during this difficult time.

"All of Scotland's social care sector is working tirelessly under very difficult circumstances to care for people during the pandemic and the Care Inspectorate is doing all it can to support them."