Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Coronavirus: 13 deaths linked to Covid-19 at care home in County Durham

Managers at the Stanley Park residency say they are ‘devastated’ by the losses

Jack Rathborn
Monday 13 April 2020 12:13 EDT
Comments
Thirteen have died at Stanley Park care home in County Durham
Thirteen have died at Stanley Park care home in County Durham (Google)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

More than a dozen people have died at a County Durham care home after suffering from coronavirus symptoms.

Managers at Stanley Park residency are “devastated” at the losses, with the first fatality coming at the end of March and the most recent announced on Monday.

It is unclear how many other residents are suffering from the virus. There are 72 beds at the home.

Home operator Care UK revealed that the latest person to die showed some symptoms of Covid-19, but had not taken a test.

Care UK’s regional director Karen Morrison has moved to ease any concerns from relatives of those in the home by insisting staff are making every possible effort to keep the residents safe.

“We are completely devastated that this many residents have lost their lives to what we believe to be Covid-19,” said Ms Morrison.

“My heart goes out to the families and friends of residents who have passed away over the past few days.

“We are all thinking of them at this difficult time and send our condolences and best wishes.

“The team at the home continue to be absolutely amazing and I cannot thank them enough.

“Despite all that has happened, they continue to deliver the very best care in a kind and professional way.

“They have had all the necessary PPE and have been using it meticulously ever since the first case was seen at the end of last month.

“Their determination and commitment to support every resident, and each other, through these very challenging times is incredible.”

The Department of Health and Social Care said last week that it was “determined” to support the social care sector and confirmed 26,000 care home providers would be provided with the required PPE.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in