Hampshire care homes record slight decrease in Covid related deaths

According to the most recent data from the Care Quality Commission there were 47 coronavirus related deaths in the Hampshire County Council area between February 6 and 12, with five in Portsmouth and five in Southampton.

This is fewer than the previous week when there were 62 Covid deaths in care homes across the county and significantly less than January 23 to 29 when there were 117 - the highest weekly figure since records began on April 10.

Nationally there was also a reduction with 893 Covid deaths recorded in English care homes in the most recent week - down from 1,365 the week before.

David Sheppard, the director of Bluewater care home in Kingston Road in Portsmouth, believed homes in the area deserved more support from government during the pandemic.

He said: 'Luckily we have been 100 per cent Covid-free the entire time - both with our staff and residents - but we have taken every single precaution possible and will continue to do so.

'At the moment there is no visiting but when lockdown is over we have a separate visiting suite we will use and we also bought an expensive machine to wipe down all surfaces around five times a day - on top of all the government guidelines like wearing gloves and masks.

'But the rules from government weren't always clear - they should be clear so there is no ambiguity. Portsmouth City Council worked hard to help us but we still had care homes writing to other care homes for advice.'

Since records began there have been a total of 92 Covid deaths in Portsmouth care homes.

SEE ALSO: 15 areas in England with the highest Covid infection rates now

Mr Sheppard added: 'All our 32 residents have had their first dose of the vaccine and the staff have had either their first or both doses which is really good. We are really pleased that everyone was willing to have them.'

Care homes in the Hampshire County Council area have been the second worst hit in England with 875 Covid deaths. Kent was the worst hit with 1,036.

Since records began there have been 102 Covid deaths in Southampton care homes.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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