Following an outbreak of COVID-19 at Charnwood Lodge Care Home in Dumfries, Community Integrated Care – the charity which runs the home – and Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership have been working in close partnership to ensure all necessary plans and protocols are in place to manage the outbreak.
Martin McGuigan, Managing Director at Community Integrated Care, said: “As soon as the outbreak developed, we took immediate action. We conducted a full decontamination of the home and implemented a number of additional robust infection control measures.
“It is, however, with great sadness, that we have lost five people we support as a result of the virus and our hearts go out to their loved ones, as well as our colleagues.
“We have been astounded by the incredible efforts and professionalism of the entire staff team who have done their utmost to support residents, families and each other through this incredibly challenging time.
“We will continue to work closely with the Local Authority and Public Health teams to ensure that we are taking all necessary steps to protect everyone within the home and provide the practical and emotional support needed.”
A spokesman for Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership said: “This has been proving a very difficult and concerning situation, but we would note the dedication of Community Integrated Care and their staff at Charnwood Lodge in their response.
“Work was undertaken to contain the spread of COVID-19, and this has not been an easy task against this highly infectious virus.
“This outbreak has again demonstrated just how highly transmissible the COVID-19 virus is, even when the correct protocols are being observed.
“COVID-19 can result in mild symptoms, and sometimes none at all. This can mask its spread to more vulnerable individuals where it can pose a very significant risk.
“Following the guidance around the use of PPE (including face coverings), around physical distancing and good hygiene remains absolutely vital in reducing risk – but these are by no means an absolute guarantee of protection.
“These tools are quite simply the best measures which currently exist to help reduce the risk as much as possible, and help limit the spread of the coronavirus.
“We would once again urge everyone to adhere to these directions, and crucially to immediately self-isolate and arrange a test if they develop any of the following symptoms, and to continue to isolate until they obtain a result:
Raised temperature
Continuous cough
Change to or loss of sense of taste and/or smell.
“As stated, symptoms of COVID-19 can sometimes be mild, but this does not reduce the level of risk to others from what can be a deadly virus. So if you are in any doubt, please immediately self-isolate and make arrangements for a test and work with our Test and Protect team to help limit any further spread.
“The responsibility rests with every one of us to do our part to try and limit the spread of coronavirus, and protect ourselves, our loved ones, neighbours, colleagues and communities.”
