Inquiry launched at care home after four die in outbreak of virus

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after four elderly residents died in one week at a care home.

NHS Grampian said it was looking into what it called a "small outbreak" of respiratory illness at the Havencourt care home in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire.

The four who died all had underlying medical conditions. The home is currently closed to new admissions.

A statement from Four Seasons Health Care, which owns the home, said: "Havencourt care home notified the appropriate authorities and is currently being assisted by the Health Protection Agency in an investigation following the deaths of four residents over a period of a week.

"Tests have been conducted at the home and samples have been sent for identification," the statement went on.

"It is not yet known whether the suspected virus is directly linked to the deaths of the residents, who all had existing medical conditions."