Coronavirus: Portsmouth care home to take on recovering patients as part of 'separate unit' despite deaths of 17 residents

A 'brand new unit' at council run Harry Sotnick House in Buckland will soon open to house people recovering from coronavirus.

It comes as a total of 17 residents - five of which tested positive for the virus and 12 who had symptoms - have died.

Councillor Matthew Winnington, Portsmouth City Council's health, wellbeing and social care boss, said: 'Local authorities have been instructed by the Department of Health and Social Care to make space available in care homes for people who have tested positive for Covid-19 but do not need to stay in hospital.

'To meet that need we have created a brand new unit, separate from our existing facilities, with its own entrance and staff, located in the Gunwharf Wing of Harry Sotnick House.

'Gunwharf Wing will operate as a completely isolated unit with stringent infection control measures in place to minimise the risk to everyone. Harry Sotnick House follow strict government and Public Health England guidance to maintain robust infection control, this includes regular infection control audits and risk assessments and the correct use of PPE at all times.

'Those coming into the unit are expected to have minor symptoms and be recovering from the virus. The Gunwharf Unit will be ready to accept a small number of patients by Monday, 1 June.'

But Copnor resident Lisa Atkinson, whose 89-year-old mum Teresa lives in the home, had concerns. 'They are telling us this but we are not allowed in the building so we are worried about what's going on,' she said.

'I am worried everyday about my mum and if she is going to be OK.

'Residents and carers could still be touching stuff going between them. Unless they have a separate kitchen and laundry room I worry there will be cross contamination.

'If Covid-19 cases are supposed to be declining why do they need to bring people into the care homes?'

However, Cllr Winnington added: 'The safety of all our staff and patients is our number one priority and any Covid-19 positive people being considered for transfer from Queen Alexandra to Harry Sotnick House will have a risk assessment of need completed and signed off prior to admission in line with regulatory requirements.

'Staff at the home, residents and their families and carers are all being kept informed of the plans.'

The death count linked to coronavirus is currently at 212 in QA Hospital.

In council-run home Shearwater in Southsea there have been 13 deaths - three tested positive for Covid-19 and 10 had symptoms.

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