Nursing facilities struggle to procure PPE due to increasing numbers of deaths and cases

The ONS said 29 occurred in the hospital and one occurred at home.

While the Winchester neighborhood care facility has reported to Chronicle that a virus outbreak has occurred, some are struggling to provide PPE due to increased costs.

One of them was the Cornerstone Kitnocks House, which reported to Chronicle that there were 12 suspected cases of Covid among civilian members since closing the door on March 16, and one confirmed Covid’s death. ..

The house faced staggering costs for PPE throughout the pandemic.

“We understand that the NHS needs to prioritize the need for PPE and manage the circumstances in which we begin to acquire, import and purchase our own PPE to ensure that our people and staff are always protected. In March alone, the cost of PPE increased by 883% compared to the previous month, primarily due to higher PPE costs due to demand, not higher volumes, “the spokesperson said. Said.

“As a precautionary measure, a person exhibiting COVID symptoms is getting a barrier nurse in his room. If another resident exhibits symptoms in the same wing, the wing will be locked down.

Fortunately, there are fewer staff absentees compared to the national average, so we continue to be employed in various roles throughout the household. ”

At least two cases have been reported on the St. John’s Moore Side Nursing Home, which is said to be the “biggest challenge” they face, adding: Our inhabitants living in Mooreside. ”

The spokesperson continued. “Since the conditions of all homes change day by day, we will not provide any further updates on Covid in our homes and will not save them through direct communication with the resident’s family or unless there is a major outbreak ..

We have notified our relatives and relevant public authorities of the current situation. The news about the test will be brighter and will make it easier for local care home staff to be tested and return to work if they are not infected with the virus. We encourage staff to take virus tests and support them wherever possible.

“The situation in PPE is very difficult. Guidance for public health England is clear, but supply from the Local Resilience Forum meets demand, complies with public health England requirements and keeps residents and staff safe. It’s still not enough to keep, we have to deal with this, we are closing the gap with other suppliers, but this is very difficult and expensive, and we have Henry Beaufort and Peter Symonds etc. It’s also great that our local school in Visor is building a visor, and Winchester Rotary is funding it, and we’re starting to make our own gowns. ”

Bereweek Court Care Home said “some residents” died of “suspected coronaviruses”. Care Home did not respond with an accurate number or how it was reporting the suspected death.

A spokeswoman for the house said: “Our thoughts and empathy are with every family who has lost their loved one to the coronavirus.

“At the heart of our work is the care of our residents and the support of our colleagues. We do everything we can to help our residents and colleagues stay safe and healthy during difficult times.”

“We have a comprehensive coronavirus contingency plan, which was created by the Director of Clinical Affairs and reflects the latest government guidance. We work closely with our local healthcare partners. Together, we continue to take action to secure medical supplies, PPE, and the supplies we need to protect our residents and colleagues.

“We are proud of our colleagues and we are proud that they challenged the outbreak of the coronavirus by showing a great deal of dedication and dedication to the residents. We provide timely support and we thank Relatives for their continued support and understanding. ”

The West Home Care Homes, run by the Hampshire County Council, “those who died in March” “much match” the monthly figures for normal years, but deaths in April “significantly increase” “I told Chronicle. But the council refused to provide an accurate number.

A spokesperson for the council said: Not available daily to this day. This means that many home dwellers, some of whom recovered and some of whom died sadly, showed Covid-19 symptoms but were unable to confirm that they were actually infected with the virus. .. Therefore, it is inadequate to estimate the number of people infected with the coronavirus and who died as a result of the infection.

“Everything is done to minimize the spread of the virus in all situations. We have rigorous hygiene practices at both Westholme and other sites in line with the latest clinical guidance from Public Health England. We will continue to operate the infection control process and provide the necessary PPE to our staff, and in addition, the only authorized visitors are those who visit relatives at “end of support”.

“We are very proud of Westholm staff and their work, and we thank the public for their continued and constant support.”

It is unclear how the home reports deaths to the Care Quality Committee without knowing if the resident died of Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Tegfield House reported additional cases of coronavirus and brought the recorded cases to two people.

Brendon care, which runs the Old Parsonage Court-in-depth care development-Park Road Care Home, has provided contact and support to all residents throughout the crisis and said no cases of coronavirus have been reported.

Zoe McCallum, Chief Operating Officer, said: We take every precaution to personal care and protection. Behind each of our residents is a loving, caring friend or family who is working harder than ever to keep in touch with videos, calls, letters.

“We currently have an inventory of personal protective equipment, but it is difficult to get supplies and we spend valuable time procuring additional equipment. Locals with spare equipment Company, we most appreciate your support. ”

Chronicle contacted 18 care homes, 11 of which did not respond: St Cross Grange; Flowerdown Care Home; Winchester Sunrise. Abbots Burton Care Home; Sutton Manor; View of St. Catherine; Dower House; Westacre; Otterbourne Hill Care Home; Old Aresford Cottage; Ridgemead Bishop’s Waltham.