Four residents die after coronavirus outbreak at Stanwick nursing home

Four residents from a nursing home in Stanwick have died after a coronavirus outbreak.

A.G.E Nursing Homes Ltd which runs the Brockfield Nursing Home in Stanwick has confirmed that four residents have died after contracting the Covid-19 virus and a further three residents have tested positive.

The care company’s managing director Julia Hainsworth-Adams said in a statement today: “A.G.E Nursing Homes Ltd can confirm that two residents of Brockfield House Nursing Home who recently passed away in the Home and two residents who passed away in hospital, were confirmed to be Covid-19 positive. All residents had underlying health conditions. Three further residents have been tested positive for Covid-19 and remain in the Home and are being cared for in isolation. Our sympathy and thoughts are with the families of those residents who have passed away at this sad time.

The Company acted swiftly when incidents of the virus were first reported in the UK by implementing robust infection control procedures and locking down the Home to visitors very early. It is with deep regret that despite these robust measures, some of our residents have contracted this virus. The Home is following all Government guidance to reduce the spread of the virus.

There are no suspected or confirmed cases of Covid-19 at the Company’s sister home, The Angela Grace Care Centre.

The Company would like to acknowledge the amazing work carried out by its staff who have shown exceptional professionalism and dedication. Staff are working tirelessly to ensure the wellbeing of all our residents at this difficult time. The Company is grateful to all its staff for their hard work and commitment.

A letter was sent out by the care company’s MD to residents’ family members on Tuesday.

She said: “Unfortunately I must write to confirm we have an outbreak of Covid-19 in the Home and it is with deep regret that some of our residents have passed away as a result of this dreadful virus. Our sympathy and thoughts are with their families at this sad time.

“I wish to reassure you we are taking all recommended infection control measures to ensure the safety of all our residents and staff. The Council’s local infection control team have confirmed that we are taking all appropriate steps. Our priority is to ensure that our residents and staff are protected and we will continue to take whatever steps are necessary to minimise the risk of further infection.

“I would like to thank you on behalf of all the staff for your support and understanding. Your best wishes and gifts have been much appreciated by the staff all of whom continue to work tirelessly caring for your loved ones. Their positivity is a credit to them all at this challenging time.

Chris Kemp’s 91 year-old nan who has dementia is one of the residents at the 45 bed home. He is concerned about his nan, who has not been seen by a member of family for a few weeks after care homes closed their doors to visitors as a precautionary measure. The family was also concerned because the letter did not confirm the number of residents who had died. When his mother called the care home to enquire she was not given an answer.

He said: “We are very worried and think it will be very distressing for her. We understand residents have now been confied to their rooms. The staff have however been absolutely brilliant.”

AGE Nursing Homes Ltd is rated as good by the Care Quality Commission.

A media spokesman for Public Health England said it would not confirm the number of outbreaks at care homes in Northamptonshire.

They did say that Public Health and other public sector partners were working to support care homes with guidance on infection control measures.

There have been a growing number of coronavirus outbreaks at care homes across the country. 15 residents have died in a care home in Luton and there have been other outbreaks across Scotland, East London and Sheffield.

The coronavirus death tally being published daily by the NHS only relates to those who have died in hospital.

The numbers who die in the community are unclear.

The deaths continue to surge with yesterday’s (April 8) published figures for the daily deaths was the highest so far with 938 deaths, taking the total to 7097 in the UK.

Cllr Helen Howell, East Northamptonshire Councillor for Stanwick, said: “It is terribly sad news and my heart goes out to all those affected by the devastating Coronavirus Covid-19 here in Stanwick and around the country. I have spoken with a representative for the care home and I am assured that they are following all the Government and NHS guidance to protect their residents and staff. I would like to send my full support and praise for all the staff at the home and all those involved in our care service.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this story incorrectly used an image of a property, which was a house near the nursing home. It has since been removed and we apologise for the error.