Third death linked to Ross-shire Covid-19 care homes' outbreak reported; More than 60 coronavirus cases linked to care homes at Invergordon and Fodderty
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DEATHS linked to a cluster of cornonavirus cases at Ross-shire care homes will be looked at by a team set up to ensure appropriate investigations are undertaken by the relevant authorities.
Three deaths have been reported in the wake of a coronavirus outbreak at care homes near areas where clusters had previously been identified within the community.
Cases had been reported at the independently run Castle Gardens and Kintyre House in Invergordon and at Fodderty House near Dingwall.
In relation to Fodderty Housem the procurator fiscal has received reports in connection with the deaths of an 83-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman. And in relation to Castle Gardens Care Home, it has received a report in relation to a 66-year-old woman.
The Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service, which has established a dedicated Covid-19 Deaths Investigation Team (CDIT), said investigation into the deaths "is ongoing and the families will continue to be kept updated in relation to any significant developments".
The members of the CDIT are staff experienced and skilled in death investigations and/or in health and safety investigations.
CDIT is working together with other agencies to ensure that appropriate investigations are undertaken by the relevant authorities in relation to these deaths.
This will also allow COPFS to make informed decisions about whether further investigation is required.
The nature and extent of the investigation that is required in relation to any particular death or group of deaths will depend on the particular circumstances.
In some cases, the investigation required might be quite limited, and in others it might be more extensive.
In appropriate circumstances, as is always the case, it may be decided that a death, or deaths, should be the subject of a fatal accident inquiry or prosecution.
Care homes have been identified as top priorities for the Covid-19 vaccination programme which is now being rolled out.
It is understood the outbreaks identified came just ahead of planned vaccinations.
NHS Highland said: "All care homes across NHS Highland are being vaccinated as a priority. Most homes have already been vaccinated and the remainder will be complete by the end of this week. We have now vaccinated most of the staff and residents in the affected homes who have tested negative. Those who are positive will be vaccinated in one month in accordance with the guidance on vaccine use.
"The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in three independent care homes is now: 21 in Castle Gardens, 29 in Kintyre House and 13 in Fodderty. A number of staff from each of the homes are also self-isolating.
"NHS Highland's public health team is continuing to work with local health and social care colleagues, community nursing teams and general practitioners to support the care homes."
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