COUNTY health chiefs have re-iterated the importance of urgent vaccinations for care homes after a Covid outbreak at Perry Manor Care Home which has claimed the lives of 15 residents.
Worcestershire County Council is working with Public Health England and infection prevention control to support the home which has also seen 33 staff members test positive during the course of the recent outbreak.
Staff who tested positive are now well and have returned to work following a period of self-isolation.
The team continues to follow stringent infection prevention and control protocols and is working to minimise the risk of further infection.
Dr Kathryn Cobain, director of Public Health for Worcestershire, said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the families of those who have passed away.
“Unfortunately, it is a real reminder to us all Covid-19 remains in our communities.
“Outbreak management procedures are being followed, cases are isolating and visiting is restricted to essential visits only.
“Multi-agency support has been provided to the care home since the first positive cases were identified.
“Staff at the home are working hard to ensure residents are receiving the highest standards of care.
“They continue to prioritise the health and safety of all the residents and the staff. Care homes remain a key priority
for our outbreak control plan in the county.”
Care UK’s Regional Director Dave Ashbolt said: “I would like to send my condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost someone from our home in recent weeks. We are all saddened by the losses and everyone is in our thoughts.
“I would like to pay tribute to the team at the home who have done an incredible job in very difficult circumstances.
“Thanks to their dedication, this home was free of Covid-19 cases for the first ten months of the pandemic.
“In recent weeks, many have tested positive and have been self-isolating so colleagues have been working extra shifts and taking on whatever task needs to be done. Not only have they provided top quality, loving care to residents but they have also worked tirelessly to reassure relatives where they can and keep them up to date with news.
A NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG spokesperson said: “Care homes are a high priority for Covid-19 vaccinations and the programme was rolled out across the county in December in accordance with national policy as set out by the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).”
