Sixty people living in local care homes have died after contracting Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, according to new figures.
Statistics released by the Care Inspectorate show that in the last year alone, there have been 15 deaths in facilities across West Dunbartonshire, Helensburgh and Lomond.
The data has been described as “heartbreaking” by Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie, who says it’s vital a public inquiry focuses on lessons which can be learned.
HC-One run Castle View Care Home in Dumbarton remains the worst affected facility with a total of 23 Covid-related deaths since March 2020, seven of which have occurred between March 2021 and May this year.
At West Dunbartonshire Council-run Crosslet House Care Home, there have been 11 deaths throughout the pandemic, none of which have occurred between March 2021 and May this year.
And at Balquhidder in Alexandria, there has been one more death since March 2021 meaning Covid-related fatalities there total 12.
Both Strathleven and Sunningdale report no deaths relating to Covid.
In Helensburgh, Northwood House Care Home is worst affected with six deaths, one of which has happened since March 2021.
The Argyle Care Centre has reported four deaths, Lochside House has had three Covid-related deaths and Morar Lodge has had one.
Hermitage House reports no Covid-related deaths.
The new figures come weeks after a ruling at the High Court in England that the UK Government’s similar policy on discharging untested patients into care homes was unlawful.
Ms Baillie, who obtained the latest statistics, has demanded the First Minister “faces up to the potentially unlawful decision” her government made by discharging patients from hospitals to care homes, without testing, at the height of the pandemic.
She said: “It is really sad to hear that 60 residents in local care homes have died from Covid and that this total has increased by 15 in just over a year.
“This is heartbreaking for the families as each of these statistics represents someone who was loved and will be sorely missed.
“It is imperative that people realise that, although restrictions have been lifted, Covid still poses a threat particularly to those in vulnerable groups including the elderly.
“It was disappointing last month that, despite the landmark ruling in England, Nicola Sturgeon failed to admit her Government made potentially unlawful mistakes at the start of the pandemic which has cost lives.
“It is vital that a public inquiry which has been promised by the SNP Government focuses on lessons which can be learned from the pandemic particularly where people have died and how these tragedies could be prevented if this situation arises again.”
Public Health Scotland data has previously showed that untested patients had been sent to local facilities throughout spring 2020 at the height of the pandemic.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with every single family which has lost a loved one during the course of the pandemic.
“Our priority throughout the pandemic has been to save lives and we have sought to take the best decisions, based on the best scientific and clinical evidence that we have had at any given time, to keep people living and working in our care homes as safe as possible.
“Scottish ministers established an independent Scottish Covid-19 public inquiry on December 14, 2021.
“The purpose of the inquiry is to provide scrutiny and answers to the questions people have about the handling of the pandemic, and to learn lessons.
“In the published terms of reference for the public inquiry, the government has included the issue of discharge to care
homes.”
