54 care home deaths in Hartlepool this year attributed to Covid 19

Hartlepool Borough Council officers noted the number of older people living in care homes dropped significantly over the summer due to Covid-19, but has since started getting back to pre Covid levels.

The council adult and community based services committee heard in Hartlepool there were 53 deaths directly attributed to Covid-19 in care homes between 17th March and 8th November 2020.

Trevor Smith, council head of strategic commissioning, provided the update on how care homes have been impacted by the pandemic.

He said: “Covid-19 has had a massive effect on the most vulnerable people in our society and tragically the impact has been felt particularly in care homes, probably more than any other area.

“The number of deaths in care homes increased significantly in the quarter ending 30th June. The additional number of deaths, when compared to earlier quarters, is clearly related to the Covid impact.

“The number of older people living in care homes, that has dropped significantly in the summer of 2020 due to the increased rate of deaths from Covid, although the figures now show that is starting to recover and getting back to pre Covid levels.”

However Mr Smith also warned case numbers in care homes are currently increasing again, in line with the increasing prevalence across the borough.

In total there were 86 deaths in care homes of those aged over 65 for the quarter ending June 30, compared to 43 for the three months before, and 28 for the period ending in September.

Council officers noted the number of vacancies in care homes for older people ‘increased significantly’ to around 111 in June, and around this time the average occupancy in these homes was around 85%.

However this has now recovered to around 92%, almost the same level as the 93% recorded in March, while the out of borough placements have reduced over the last year and have continued to reduce since the Covid-19 outbreak.

Mr Smith also praised the work carried out by care homes to help support residents and to keep them connected during the pandemic.

This included facilitating contact between residents and families where possible using phone calls and video calls, with some allowing window visits.

He said: “Throughout the crisis, the adults commissioning team has continued to support every care home in the town with information, advice and guidance.

“At the peak of the Covid-19 crisis, the adults commissioning team was in daily contact with all care homes in the town but this has now reduced to twice per week but regular contact, as and when required, is also still important.”

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.