Care home 'cooperating fully' as police probe 22 Covid pandemic deaths

A care home is “cooperating fully” amid a police investigation into the deaths of 22 residents during the Covid pandemic.

Management and staff are being questioned at Fullarton Care Home in Irvine, North Ayrshire, one of the worst hit facilities in Scotland as coronavirus spread across the country.

Police Scotland’s Major Investigations Team is speaking to the families of 22 people that died at the home.

A Care Inspectorate report issued in May 2020 had raised issues around hygiene, infection control and inconsistent use of PPE in Fullarton Care Home.

Fullarton Care Home in Irvine, North Ayrshire Google Maps

A dedicated Crown Office unit, the Covid-19 Death Investigation Team, was set up in May 2020 to examine deaths linked to Covid at 474 care homes in Scotland.

A spokesperson for Fullarton Care Home said: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with all those who lost loved ones during the pandemic.

“Police Scotland, on the instruction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, are investigating all deaths that occurred in all care homes across Scotland during this time, and we are cooperating fully and openly in line with this national review.”

Following investigations, prosecutors will determine if any of the deaths in care settings across Scotland should be subject to a fatal accident inquiry or prosecution.

Assistant chief constable Bex Smith said: “We understand how upsetting and difficult this is for the many families who lost loved ones as a result of the Covid pandemic.

“Police Scotland is supporting the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) review into deaths in care homes.

“While we continue to gather information, a number of investigations have now commenced at the request of COPFS.

“As the investigations are ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.”