Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Luke Traynor

Care home devastated by coronavirus outbreak with several deaths

A care home in West Derby is being devastated by a coronavirus outbreak that left several residents dead.

Fatalities have occurred at Larkhill Hall in the last fortnight, but bosses who run the 66-bedroom facility have declined to confirm how many.

Over the last two days, the ECHO has repeatedly asked management Ideal Care Homes, in charge at the Muirhead Avenue East site, for a figure.

It follows care homes across the UK detailing exactly how many have sadly died at their premises after contracting Covid-19.

Larkhill Hall care home in West Derby (Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)

On Wednesday, a care home in Crosby confirmed eight deaths, and Oak Springs in Wavertree had 16 who'd passed away, when last reported.

Have your relatives died with suspected coronavirus and you wish to pay a tribute? Contact luke.traynor@reachplc.com or call 0151 330 5051

Claims were made at least one distressed family member filmed from the street outside Larkhill Hall as their loved one was taken from the home by medics in white hazmat-type suits.

Insiders also said many staff were off work, self-isolating, and personal protective equipment was either very flimsy or in short supply for employees.

But Ideal Care Homes only said their staffing levels were "safe" and PPE provision was "ample."

A well-placed source told the ECHO: "Staff are anxious and stressed, but at the same time, taking it in their stride.

"People want to speak out, but are fearful of losing their jobs.

Green Heys Care Home, in Crosby (Google Images)

"They are devastated by what they are seeing."

The source, who is set to contact watchdog the Care Quality Commission about the ongoing tragedy, added: "A true reflection of what is happening at Larkhill Hall is needed so the situation at care homes across Merseyside, dealing manfully with coronavirus, is for all to see.

"I don't understand why Ideal Care Homes cannot provide a number."

In a statement, the company said: "We can confirm that sadly some residents have passed away due to suspected coronavirus and our thoughts are with relatives and loved ones.

"Our priority will always be the safety and well-being of the people who live and work with us and our team’s focus will continue to be the care of our residents.

"We are very sad to say that, along with other care homes across the country, we have also felt the devastation of the virus at our home and we send our heartfelt condolences to anyone affected.

"However, we would like to reassure our residents and relatives that we strictly follow all government and Public Health England guidelines as well as implementing our own additional measures and contingency plans for all aspects of care home life.

"Our staff continue to be fully supported in every way to provide the best possible care for our residents and we thank them for their dedication and commitment during these unprecedented times.

"Our staffing levels have and will continue to remain safe.

"Our home has ample stocks of PPE and each member of our team has full guidance on the usage of this, we have sufficient supplies to maintain strict infection control measures and dedicated management support plus ongoing training in line with the latest guidance.

"We continue to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of both our residents and staff.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.