City care home worker dies of suspected coronavirus

A member of staff at a Dundee care home has died after a suspected case of coronavirus.

The employee worked at the city’s Pitkerro Care Centre, where it was revealed last week six residents and eight members of staff had been infected with the virus.

No details of the age or gender of the worker who died have been released.

Pitkerro Care Centre is owned by Hudson Healthcare and has capacity for 70 residents.

The centre specialises in Alzheimer’s care for over 65’s.

Hudson Healthcare’s regional manager for Scotland, Jennifer Wishart, said: “The entire Pitkerro Care Centre family were devastated by the passing of one of our staff members over the bank holiday weekend. They were wonderfully compassionate, extremely hard-working and much-loved.

“The member of staff had been receiving hospital care in relation to Covid-19 symptoms.

“Our thoughts are with their family and friends during this difficult time, and we are providing support to the family where possible. We request that their privacy be respected.”

A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said: “We are aware of the tragic death of a staff member at this care home as a result of suspected Covid-19.

“Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones, and with the staff at the home.

“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 under very difficult circumstances to care for people during the pandemic and the Care Inspectorate is doing all it can to support them.”