Two Covid-related deaths at Blackpool nursing home after outbreak

The two residents died at the Hornby Road home after an outbreak of Covid-19 among residents and staff.

It is understood that there has been a total of 22 cases of the virus at the home, where care is provided by Regency Healthcare Ltd.

The Care Quality Commission is liaising with the owners and operators of the home, and a spokesman for the watchdog body said: "We are aware of a coronavirus outbreak at the New Victoria Nursing Home, Blackpool.

"We are engaging with the home’s manager and the provider of the service, Regency Healthcare, to monitor the situation closely and ensure residents’ safety.”

Marion Gourlay, compliance manager for Regency Healthcare Limited, confirmed that two residents, who had been suffering from underlying medical conditions, had died and said the thoughts of staff were with the families

She said: "The outbreak started more than two weeks ago and the home was now returning normal.

"Apart from the two residents who have sadly died, we also have two members of staff who are seriously ill with Covid, which is very difficult for their families as well.

"Our staff are battling to keep going and are working very hard.

"Covid is unfortunately rife throughout the country and we have done well to keep the home free of this virus for most of this year."

She added that staff training was ongoing at the care home with PPE being used and that a deep clean of the premises had also taken place, and that the CQC, Blackpool Council and the Department of Health and Social Care were also providing guidance.