15 elderly residents at Luton care home die during coronavirus pandemic

Public Health England are reported to be working closely with staff at Castletroy Residential and Nursing Home in Bushmead following the spate of deaths.

The council-run care home was rated 'Inadequate' in its last inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2018, and was judged poor in all areas.

Dr Sultan Salimee, consultant in health protection at Public Health England East said: “Our thoughts go out to all the family and friends of those who have passed away. We are continuing to work closely with the care home, providing public health advice to stop the virus spreading.

“Good hand hygiene is the best prevention against coronavirus and we should all be doing this to protect ourselves and others. Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.”

“Visit the NHS website for all the latest advice and information.”

Cllr Hazel Simmons, Leader of Luton Borough Council, added: “We are all so desperately sad to hear about the tragic situation at Castletroy Residential and Nursing Home.

"To lose so many residents in one care home is heart-breaking and our love, thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of those who have died, as well as the staff at the home.

"The council are supporting the staff at the home and will be offering support to the relatives of all those affected during this very difficult period.

“This tragedy serves as another reminder of how important it is that we all follow the government guidance and stay at home to prevent the spread of this deadly disease.”

During the CQC inspection in 2018, findings at the 96-bed care home included staff disturbing residents in the early hours of the morning to dress them, one resident left unattended with a head injury for several hours, a lack of respect for people’s dignity, smell in the lounge, and poor storage.

Testing of residents, meeting clinical definition of COVID-19, is advised for identification and appropriate public health management of an outbreak.

In occasions where some cases have already been tested positive in a care home, we do not advise testing of new cases as it will not change the public health management. New cases will be tested if admitted to hospital.

PHE has given public health advice on infection prevention and control and have also been monitoring the situation on a regular basis, advising the care home to refer residents with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, such as fever and consistent new cough, for a clinical assessment.

The care home has closed its doors to visitors for the time being.