Covid-19 cases have been confirmed at care homes in Dundee and Angus as staff at two affected establishments slated the management handling the pandemic.
Pitkerro Care Centre in Dundee revealed six residents and eight staff members have tested positive, while Montrose’s Fordmill Nursing Home has a single confirmed case.
Bosses at the Dundee home, which specialises in Alzheimer’s care and has room for more than 70 residents, said they have adopted measures to prevent further transmission.
Managers previously refuted claims they were forcing symptomatic staff members to complete their shifts.
Concerns have also been raised at both locations about the quality and safety of the personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied to staff.
Samuel Maierovits, managing director at Pitkerro operators Hudson Healthcare, said the outbreak was “devastating”.
“We are and have been taking every possible precaution to protect all of our residents and staff, whilst doing everything in our power to minimise the risks during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
“Our staff are the true heroes of this crisis and their dedication and commitment during these challenging times has been exceptional.”
He said the firm had investigated a now deleted social media post containing accusations against the home and found them to be unfounded. The details of the investigation have been shared with Dundee City Council, Public Health Scotland and the Care Inspectorate.
“It is understandable that at times like this levels and anxieties are high, but our overriding priority is, and always has been, the health and safety of our residents and staff,” he said.
The Fordmill Nursing Home employee tested positive earlier this week. Operators of the Mill Street establishment would not confirm reports that one resident is also being treated in hospital for Covid-19.
One source said staff had made complaints about the PPE available to them.
“My concern is that management are just not talking it seriously and early on there were notices put up saying visitors shouldn’t be allowed in but they were allowed to be ignore,” said the insider.
“The situation is just awful but we’re just being told to get on with it.”
A spokesman for Fordmill operators Barchester Healthcare said: “We can confirm that we have had a positive test result for Covid-19.
“We are confident in the processes in our home with all of our staff trained in infection control, and our staff have been brilliant in implementing this.
“We are following medical advice and are being supplied with the appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE).
“Please be reassured that our staff are trained in this practice, and we are confident that the right procedures will be followed to keep everyone as safe and well as possible.”
