Ticking Timebomb

Care home deaths sparks fear that the old and vulnerable are being denied hospital treatment

- Gordon Blackstock and John Ferguson

An investigation must be launched into why 13 care home residents who died from coronavirus were not taken to hospital, a charity claimed last night.

The deadly outbreak happened at Burlington Court, in Cranhill Glasgow, sparking fears the victims’ age was a factor in hospital admission.

Scottish Labour’s shadow health spokeswoman Monica Lennon said last night: “If this could happen at one care home, it could happen in others.

“We must make sure a coronavirus timebomb is not being created among some of our most vulnerable people.”

Age Scotland said there should be an inquiry into why the OAPs were not transferred to the nearest available infirmary for specialist treatment.

CEO Brian Sloan said: “We’d like to know whether age played a factor in the decision-making process in this case.

“We strongly believe someone’s age or the fact they are a care home resident should not be used as a proxy for their health status. We would be very concerned if any blanket policies were applied to decide whether or not someone is admitted to hospital.”

The deaths happened over seven days at the facility, which is run by care provider Four Seasons Health Care.

Two members of staff are currently ill and 25 workers at the home have been self-isolating. Eight will return today and tomorrow.

Burlington Court looks after 90 residents with complex medical needs such as Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Leading politicians also called for a probe into how the care home residents were medically treated prior to their deaths.

Lennon said: “There must be an investigation into this outbreak which has claimed 13 lives so far – including why none of the residents were transferred to hospital.