A THIRD resident has died after a suspected coronavirus outbreak at an East Kilbride care home.

We told on Tuesday how two people had sadly lost their life at Whitehills Care home, with a further two residents having suspected COVID-19 at that time.

But a spokesman for Thistle Healthcare, which runs the home, has confirmed a third tragic death today.

On Tuesday, care bosses said the safety and wellbeing of staff and residents is their "absolute priority", with deliveries of PPE to the home being stepped up.

READ MORE: Two dead after East Kilbride care home coronavirus outbreak with two more suspected cases

The spokesman added: “Everyone at Whitehills care deeply about the health of our residents, but our thoughts are first and foremost with bereaved families, who are very much part of our care community. 

“Several weeks ago we introduced stringent measures to protect the safety and wellbeing of our residents and staff, which is our absolute priority at all times and especially now. 

“All residents have their own rooms, which allows us to limit contact with others very effectively.

"The other measures now in place include daily staff symptom checks; all staff with even mild symptoms asked to stay away from work; stopping routine visits from friends and family; staggered access to staff areas; staff in high-risk groups asked to self-isolate; upgraded cleaning practices, especially in-room and high-touch surfaces and common areas; closely monitored hand washing and use of hand sanitiser."

He added: “Our staff are doing an exceptional job in very difficult circumstances, and are working very hard to protect the wellbeing of the residents in their care. We’d like to extend our sincere appreciation to each one of them and to the families of our residents for their support and understanding.”

It comes after similar outbreaks reported at several other homes in Scotland.

 

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