Calls for an inquiry have been sparked following the coronavirus deaths of 16 residents at Berelands Care Home.
The tragic news was confirmed yesterday when home bosses revealed a quarter of those staying at the home had passed away since April 4.
Two other residents have also been confirmed as having Covid-19.
Now Labour’s health spokeswoman Monica Lennon has called for an official probe into the deaths.
She said: “To have so many deaths in such a short space of time is absolutely shocking and heartbreaking.
"My thoughts are with the family and friends of all who died.
“There needs to be an immediate inquiry to understand why the virus is spreading like wildfire in this care home and many others.”
The home is owned by the Priory Group, who have more than 230 care homes around Britain.
A Berelands spokesman said: “It is with profound sadness that we can confirm the deaths of 16 residents since April 4.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the bereaved families at this very difficult time and we offer them our continued support.
“We are working tirelessly to care for the residents in our home and we continue to follow all Government guidance.
“Our team are all trained in infection prevention and control, including utilising the correct level of PPE for the protection of both residents and themselves.
“We continue to work closely with NHS Ayrshire and Arran.”
The Scottish Government said: “We absolutely understand the importance of visiting loved ones in care settings and while routine care home visits are suspended in Scotland, we have guidance in place to ensure visiting care homes is restricted to essential visitors and family visits restricted to end-of-life care situations.”
