NHS Lothian have reported that a multi-agency team which they have set up continues to support Redmill Care home in West Lothian.
A significant outbreak of Covid-19 was reported among residents and staff earlier this week. Sadly, a total of seven residents of the care home have now died.
The Incident Management Team was set up when the outbreak became known with representation from Redmill Care Home, Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, the Care Inspectorate and NHS Lothian.
As soon as the first case was identified, NHS Lothian say the home was immediately closed to visitors, and all residents were isolated. There was additional testing of all staff and residents introduced as part of the enhanced outbreak response.
These proactive measures are designed to identify the virus in people who had no symptoms, or who were in the early stages of the disease and to prevent further transmission of the virus.
Dr Richard Othieno, Public Health Consultant, NHS Lothian and Chair of the Incident Management Team said: “We are working closely with the care home, West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnerships(HSCP) and the Care Inspectorate to provide all the support necessary which includes guidance from West Lothian HSCP’s Care Home Support Team.
“Early action to isolate residents and begin enhanced testing has enabled us to identify positive cases before they become symptomatic.
“Even without an outbreak, and without showing any of the classic symptoms of Covid-19, residents in this care home are tested if they appear at all unwell or not their usual selves. As in all care homes, staff are routinely tested weekly through the UK national testing portal. This vigilance and the early introduction of enhanced infection control measures gives the best chance of limiting the spread of infection. Repeat rounds of testing of residents and staff is continuing and the situation is being monitored very closely.
“This outbreak is a reminder that even if you do not yet have symptoms, you can still have COVID-19 and that is why self-isolation is crucial as soon as you have been in contact with a confirmed case.”
“As part of the infection control measures, the home was closed to visitors. We know this is difficult for residents and their relatives, but it is necessary to ensure the outbreaks are brought under control as quickly as possible and we thank relatives for their co-operation and understanding.”
If you have any concerns about your own health, or if you need to book a Covid-19 test because you have developed symptoms (high temperature, a new continuous cough and/or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste) there are details on the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot
For non-clinical advice call 0800 028 2816.
You are also advised to stay at home if anyone in the household has symptoms of Covid-19.
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