The family of an elderly Dundee woman hospitalised with Covid-19 have slammed the care she received before they intervened.
Yvonne Cullen, 75, had shown symptoms of the virus for more than a week before she was taken to Ninewells Hospital on Monday with serious respiratory problems.
Her daughter Liz Cullen has accused Monifieth’s South Grange Nursing Home of doing little to avoid her health deteriorating.
Care home operators Barchester said they were following “clear protocols”.
Liz, who works as a nurse in Essex, said the only reason she was eventually taken to hospital is because she demanded it.
“I said to my brother if we don’t do anything, then the next phone call we receive will be to tell us she’s dead,” the 56-year-old said.
“We first found out she had a temperature on April 12 and they have not told us what observations she was put under from that point.
“My brother spoke with her on a video call in the following days and he said she was acting bizarre. She wasn’t communicating properly.
“The next time we heard from them was April 20 when we were told she was very unwell.
“They told me that residents are not being taken to hospital.”
Yvonne’s blood-oxygen saturation levels dropped to just 83% and she is now being treated with oxygen to save her life.
The pensioner, who has diabetes, has also been diagnosed with pneumonia and has been treated with IV antibiotics.
The 81-room home offers 24-hour nursing, respite and palliative care to residents.
Liz, who was born and raised in Dundee before moving down south 30 years ago, added: “I’ve not been given any indication about how long her oxygen levels were that low.
“They have a duty of care. It’s disgusting and it’s terrifying. Is this a blanket policy in homes meaning old people are being discriminated against?
“I’ve tried to find out how long she was symptomatic for and what treatment she was receiving.
“So far, I’ve received no answers. How long did they sit on her while she was like that?”
A spokesperson for Barchester said: “We are very sorry to hear that a family member is worried about their loved one and we understand that this is a very difficult time for everyone.
“We are all doing the best we can to keep our residents and staff safe and well.
“We cannot comment on individual cases as we respect the privacy of our residents and staff but there are incorrect claims about the progression of this case and the protocol followed at the home in regards to caring for residents with COVID-19.
“However, what we can say is that we have clear protocols should a resident, patient or member of staff show symptoms.
“Those residents with symptoms who are advised to remain in our care home will be isolated and cared for by staff wearing personal protection equipment (PPE) and using stringent infection control practices until we are confident that they are negative and not contagious.”
The Care Inspectorate has confirmed a complaint has been made to them regarding the service.
On Thursday, it was revealed six residents at the home had died in the space of 10 days.
Barchester, which runs over 200 homes across the UK, stated they would not disclose how many are related to coronavirus to “respect the privacy of our relatives and residents”.
