Doncaster care homes' coronavirus death toll is revealed - with well over 100 fatalities

Details emerged at an NHS Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group governors meeting, revealing 41 per cent of all Doncaster coronavirus deaths were care home residents.

Officials stress the position was improving, with no cases of the virus in care homes when the report presented to governors was written.

The report stated: “The current status of the pandemic across the borough improves week on week.

"The number of deaths of care home residents currently stands at 111, with 41 dying in hospital and 70 dying in homes. Please note that this data is as of the July 23 2020.

"The exact numbers of infected and symptomatic people fluctuates each day, but care home residents currently account for 41 per cent of the Doncaster deaths (111 out of 273). “We continue to collect and collate data on each care home on a daily basis, with a continued positive trend in both staff and patient infection rates. As of July 23, 2020, there were no Covid cases with care homes. "

Andrew Russell, chief nurse, at the CCG said: “A significant amount of work has been done by care homes in Doncaster to reduce the number of coronavirus cases in care homes, recognising that it has been a very difficult time for staff, residents and their families.

“NHS Doncaster CCG and Doncaster Council are supporting the huge work and efforts that the care homes were making themselves, as well as dealing with outbreaks, ensuring care homes had the appropriate support, information and access to advice to reduce risks.

“Some of this support included, but not limited to specialist training relating to the use of Personal Protective Equipment, as well as having robust processes in place across the health and care system so Care Homes feel empowered to be able to deal with any potential outbreak.

“More recently, we are working closely with Doncaster Council, in conjunction with wider partners across Doncaster, to respond to the adult social care action plan published by the Department of Health and Social Care; a further step to work together, in partnership to support Care Homes, both staff and residents.”

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