Workers at an Irvine care home are reported to have raised concerns about the lack of personal protection equipment (PPE) after a patient died of coronavirus.

Staff at Cumbrae Lodge, off Castlepark Road, owned by Four Seasons Health Care are said to be terrified they will contract the virus only to pass it on because they have not been provided with adequate PPE.

An official from the GMB union has written to Four Seasons to raise the issue urgently, it has been reported nationally.

It is reported the letter said: “I’m utterly shocked and hugely disappointed that a care provider of Four Seasons’ size and experience would allow a care home to run in a ‘business as usual manner’ at this most dangerous time.

“These workers are literally being sent into battle with no protection.

"They are putting themselves and their family members at risk by coming to work."

A spokesperson for Four Seasons Health Care said: “We share our colleagues’ frustration at the lack of available equipment and we have been working hard to secure supplies of PPE for all of our homes.

“Our team has been sending daily updates to the homes on our efforts to secure masks and other equipment while ensuring all colleagues are implementing our strict procedures for health and safety."