Seven residents at Yorkshire care home die after coronavirus outbreak, health boss confirms

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, strategic director of public health at Kirklees Council, said the outbreak occurred at the BUPA-run Cleveland House Care Home on Cleveland Road in Edgerton, near Huddersfield.

She confirmed that 24 residents have tested positive for the virus, and that seven “have sadly died”.

She added: “Our thoughts are with their families and we also wish the other residents and the 20 members of staff who have tested positive a full recovery.

“The safety of residents comes before anything else, particularly those who are vulnerable and rely on support. We take all outbreaks incredibly seriously, and together with the care home and Public Health England we’re doing all we can to make sure people are safe.

Cleveland House is run by BUPA Care Homes (GL) Limited. At its last inspection by the Care Quality Commission it was rated “good”.

In reacting to the outbreak BUPA said “many” of the seven people who had died had underlying health conditions and one was receiving end-of-life care prior to their Covid diagnosis.

Jane Madden, BUPA’s regional director for Cleveland House said: “Safety is our priority and we’re following strict guidance from Public Health England at all times.

“Although a number of our residents have recently tested positive for Covid-19, most affected do not have symptoms and are doing well.

“Very sadly, some residents have passed away including those who had underlying health conditions or were receiving end-of-life care prior to their diagnosis. Our thoughts are with their families.

“Our residents are an extended family, so this is an exceptionally difficult time for everyone at the home. I’m grateful to the team, who continue to show compassion, professionalism and dedication in caring for our residents.”

BUPA has confirmed that Cleveland House is closed to admissions, and is not accepting residents from hospitals as it is not a designated Covid-19 facility for hospital admissions.

It also stressed that the majority of residents testing positive “do not have symptoms”, and that the on-site team continues to give them “dedicated care in line with the latest government guidance”.

BUPA said staff who have tested positive “have immediately isolated away from the home. All are doing well with many since re-testing negative.

“We have been in contact with all families throughout to keep them informed about their loved ones’ well-being.”

For the council Ms Spencer-Henshall added: “This highlights the threat this virus carries. We urge everyone to continue to follow all the latest guidance to keep each other safe.

“You might not know you are carrying the virus, but it could be fatal for someone you come into contact with. Please continue to do all you can to keep each other safe.”

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