62 Residents and Staff Confirmed with COVID at Stranraer care home  

Following an outbreak of COVID-19 at Thorney Croft Care Home in Stranraer, Community Integrated Care – the charity which runs the home – and Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership have been working in close partnership to ensure all necessary plans and protocols are in place to manage the outbreak.  

Martin McGuigan, Managing Director at Community Integrated Care, said: “As soon as the outbreak developed, we took immediate action implementing a number of additional robust infection control measures including increased colleague testing and an ongoing decontamination schedule.

“It is, however, with great sadness, that we have lost a person we support as a result of the virus and our hearts go out to their loved ones, as well as our colleagues.

“We have been astounded by the continued incredible efforts and professionalism of all our colleagues who have done their utmost to support residents, families and each other through this incredibly challenging time.

“As we have done throughout the pandemic, we’re continuing to work closely with the Local Authority and Public Health teams to ensure that we are taking all necessary steps to protect everyone within the home and provide the additional support needed.”

A total of 31 residents at Thorney Croft Care Home have been confirmed as having tested positive for COVID-19, and 31 members of staff.

A spokesman for Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership said: “This has been proving a concerning situation, but we would note the dedication shown by Community Integrated Care and their staff at Thorney Croft in their response.

“Work has taken place to contain the spread of COVID-19, and this outbreak within the wider context of rapidly increasing numbers of cases in Wigtownshire and the wider region demonstrates just how highly transmissible the COVID-19 virus is, even when the correct protocols are being observed.

“COVID-19 can result in mild symptoms, and sometimes none at all. This can mask its spread to more vulnerable individuals where it can pose a very significant risk.

“Following the guidance around the use of PPE (including face coverings), around physical distancing and good hygiene remains absolutely vital in reducing risk – but these are by no means an absolute guarantee of protection.

“These tools are quite simply the best measures which currently exist to help reduce the risk as much as possible, and help limit the spread of the coronavirus.

“We would once again urge everyone to adhere to these directions, and crucially to immediately self-isolate and arrange a test if they develop any of the following symptoms, and to continue to isolate until they obtain a result:

•  Raised temperature

• New, continuous cough

• Change to or loss of sense of taste and/or smell.

“As stated, symptoms of COVID-19 can sometimes be mild, but this does not reduce the level of risk to others from what can be a deadly virus. So if you are in any doubt, please immediately self-isolate and make arrangements for a test and work with our Test and Protect team to help limit any further spread.

“The responsibility rests with every one of us to do our part to try and limit the spread of coronavirus, and protect ourselves, our loved ones, neighbours, colleagues and communities.”