A tragic outbreak of COVID-19 in a care home has lead to 13 confirmed deaths.

Burlington Court Care Home in Stepps has the capacity to provide nursing care for up to 90 residents with complex medical needs. 

It cares for people with ongoing medical conditions such as Huntington’s and Parkinson’s Disease. 

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The deaths at the Stepps Road care home all took place in the past seven days. 

All 13 fatalities have been linked to COVID-19, the health care provider which runs the home Four Seasons Health Care. 

Two members of staff are also being treated for the disease. 

The healthcare bosses confirmed: "With deep sadness we can confirm that 13 residents have passed away over the past seven days.

“The focus is the ongoing care and protection of all our residents and our colleagues.

“The passing of a loved one is always traumatic irrespective of the circumstances. 

“Within the home the focus of the team continues to be the ongoing care and protection of all our residents and our colleagues, two of whom are currently being treated for coronavirus. 

The outbreak comes after additional restrictions were placed on the visitor policy by the healthcare provider."

Visits were suspended for all care home ran by Four Seasons Health Care.

The only exceptions remain for essential medical visits or for exceptional circumstances agreed in advance. 

Four Seasons Health Care added: “Our strict protocols on infectious diseases are in place, including social distancing, and we are closely monitoring the health of the other residents and colleagues. 

“In these exceptional circumstances we are sincerely grateful for the dedication of our colleagues and can assure our residents and their families that we are putting all our resources and energy into supporting and protecting everyone in our homes.”

The home is liaising with public health officials and the Care Inspectorate.

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A Care Inspectorate spokesman said: “We are aware of the tragic death of residents at this care home as a result of Covid-19.

“Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those affected as well as the staff and wider community of the home.

“We have been notified of the circumstances and we are in contact with the care service and the local health and social care partnership during this difficult time.

“All of Scotland’s social care sector is working under very difficult circumstances to care for people during the pandemic and the Care Inspectorate is doing all it can to support them.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon expressed condolences to the families of the residents. 

She wrote on Twitter: "My thoughts are with all the residents of the Burlington Court Care home and especially with the families of those who have died there or elsewhere with COVID-19. 

"We are working hard to control this virus and will offer all the support we can to this and other care homes."

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