Answers needed on care home deaths

Age Scotland's Chief Executive Brian Sloan has expressed sadness over 15 reported deaths from coronavirus at a Glasgow care home. The charity has called for clarity over whether or not the residents' age was taken into account when deciding not to treat them in hospital.

The deaths occurred in less than a fortnight at Burlington Court, in Cranhill, Glasgow, a care home run by Four Seasons Health Care.  The home cares for around 90 residents with complex health needs. It is understood a number of staff members have also been affected.

Mr Sloan said: “We are very sad to hear this news, and our thoughts are with the families of those affected, as well as staff and other residents in the care home. We hope they are all getting all the care and support they need at this time.

“We know care staff across Scotland are working incredibly hard in difficult circumstances to provide the highest standards of care. Sadly, care home residents are one of the groups at higher risk of serious illness if they contract coronavirus, as they are more likely to have complex health problems or long-term health conditions.

“Care home staff are well-trained in hygiene measures to reduce the risk of infection. All health and social care workers should also have access to appropriate personal protection equipment to minimise the risks.

“Decisions about treatment should always be made on a case-by-case basis, through open discussion between doctors, patients, their families and other healthcare professionals. Hospital will not always be the most appropriate place to treat a patient if they are unlikely to benefit from it.

“We would like to know whether age was a factor in the decision-making process in this case.

"We strongly believe that someone’s age or the fact they are a care home resident should not be used as a proxy for their health status. We would be very concerned if any blanket policies were applied to decide whether or not someone is admitted to hospital.”