Six care home residents die amid coronavirus outbreak

A total of six residents at a care home in Falkirk have died after testing positive for coronavirus.

Work has been ongoing to manage the outbreak at Caledonian Court Care Home in Larbert for several weeks.

Last week, NHS Forth Valley confirmed the home was closed to new admissions and visiting paused temporarily.

The home’s operator said staff were “working tirelessly” as they look to support residents and one another.

Elizabeth McKeegan, regional director of Care UK, said: “We would like to send our condolences to the families and friends of residents who have passed away over the past few days.

“My team at the care home is working tirelessly to support residents and each other at this difficult time.

“I’d like to reassure everyone that we are doing everything in our power to keep people safe and comfortable.

“We have provided additional support from experienced senior managers and we have all the necessary PPE as well as other measures like deep cleaning.”

The health board said strict infection control measures are in place at the home.

Dr Jennifer Champion, NHS Forth Valley’s consultant in public health medicine, said: “We extend our deepest sympathy to those who have lost loved ones in these sad circumstances.

“The safety of residents is paramount and we are continuing to closely monitor the situation.

“Other residents who have tested positive are isolating and further tests are being carried out on both staff and residents within the care home.”