Three deaths and others with symptoms in Herefordshire care home

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show only two coronavirus-related deaths had been registered at care homes in Herefordshire in the two weeks to April 24.

READ MORE: Two coronavirus-related deaths at care homes in Herefordshire, figures show

But at Froome Bank Care Home in Bromyard, next to the town’s community hospital, it was confirmed three residents have so far died after contracting the virus.

Mike Smith, chief operating officer at Shaw Healthcare, said: “Sadly, we can confirm that three residents have passed away who tested positive for the virus, and a small number of residents that are presenting symptoms consistent with Covid-19 at Froome Bank Care Home are being cared for in line with the national guidance.

“We are very proud of our amazing frontline teams for delivering excellent care while implementing stringent guidelines that consider infection control, deep cleaning and contingency planning around essential supplies such as medication and food.

“There are also regular deliveries of PPE, and we have a team sourcing a supply chain.”

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The company has put contingency plans in place to cope with a drop in staff numbers should any have to self-isolate. The Hereford Times understands some staff members have been off work after testing positive for Covid-19.

“We are following the national guidelines for self-isolation and social distancing of key workers,” Mr Smith added.

“Any employees who have been identified positive by a GP or the NHS are shielding. Where employees are shielding, we have contingency plans in place to support our staffing levels which are working well.

“Finally, our thoughts and condolences go the families and loved ones of the residents who have sadly passed away, including everyone else who has been affected by this terrible outbreak.

“We hope that everyone abides by the national guidelines and stays safe.”

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The deaths of the three residents at Froome Bank come as a staff member who worked at a school for youngsters with learning disabilities near Bromyard has also died after contracting Covid-19.

A spokesperson for the SENAD Group, which represents Rowden House School, said the worker had not been to their workplace since mid-March.

“We can confirm that a member of our staff in the adult care division has passed away due to coronavirus, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad and difficult time,” she said. “We will continue to provide close support to the family in any way that we can.

“Our friend and colleague had not been in the workplace since the middle of March and the safety of our staff and those in our care is paramount at all times.

“We are working to strict protocols based on up to date advice from Public Health England, Herefordshire County Council and the Care Quality Commission.”

Councillor Pauline Crockett, Herefordshire Council cabinet member for health and adult wellbeing, praised those on the frontline who continue to do their jobs.

She said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with all those who have lost a loved one to coronavirus.

“We could not get through this time without the selfless bravery of all frontline health and social care workers, who continue to care for our most vulnerable on a daily basis.

“Their efforts are greatly appreciated by our communities and will be remembered for many years to come.”

Official figures released by ONS on Tuesday showed there had been only two coronavirus-related deaths at care homes in the county between April 10 and April 24. The deaths happened on April 10 and April 22.

On top of this, a further 22 residents had died from other causes.

With deaths at care homes not previously being included in the daily death toll announced by the Government, Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed that this would change this week.

Matt Hancock. Picture: PA

In the daily coronavirus briefing on Tuesday, Mr Hancock said care home deaths and those in the community would be included from Wednesday.

He said he was “very glad” the data could be published daily to “keep the focus on what is happening in care homes” and to “bring as much transparency as possible” to the death figures.