MORE than 10 residents have now died after coronavirus hit a Fullarton nursing home.

It was revealed after more than 200 deaths were reported across the same private healthcare provider’s other Scottish facilities.

An outbreak of COVID-19 in the Fullarton Care Home was revealed after a letter was sent out to families by HC-One back in April.

The Times was told more than 10 residents had now passed away in the Fullarton home – with around 30 understood to be infected or showing symptoms of COVID-19.

This comes after a 10th death was confirmed at HC-One’s Home Farm nursing home in Skye, after the Care Inspectorate took legal action against the company over the running of the facility.

While the under-fire care provider confirmed ‘some’ residents have now died from COVID-19 in its Irvine home, it refused to confirm or deny exact numbers.

A total of 207 residents have now died in HC-One facilities nationally with 1,002 confirmed or suspected cases.

A company spokesperson said: “HC-One have been regularly keeping in touch with the next of kin of our residents at Fullarton Care Home to inform them of the situation, as well as providing the necessary updates on their loved ones. Relatives can call the home for updates and they can also contact our Relative Support Team.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with all families who have lost a loved one from coronavirus and we are doing our utmost to support them during this difficult time.

“Caring for our residents and supporting our colleagues is at the heart of what we do, and we are doing everything we can to make sure our residents and colleagues stay safe and well throughout these challenging times.

“We have a comprehensive coronavirus contingency plan in place, which was created by our Clinical Director and reflects the latest government guidance. We have secured the medical equipment, PPE, and supplies we need to protect residents and colleagues alike. Colleagues have access to a range of specific coronavirus training modules, including on the correct use of PPE. These training modules have been regularly updated to reflect all changes in the guidance over recent weeks. We are also working closely with our local health and care partners.

“We are proud of our colleagues and how they have risen to the challenge of the coronavirus outbreak by showing huge dedication and commitment to our residents. We are providing round-the-clock support for all our teams.”

Stephen Brown, Director, North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: “The Health Protection Team and the North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership are working closely with a care home in North Ayrshire where a number of individuals have either a confirmed or suspected case of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Very sadly, some residents have died.

“We appreciate this is a very worrying time. However, we would like to assure people that every measure is being taken to protect residents and staff.”

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