A COUNCILLOR has said 15 deaths at Perry Manor Care Home are “absolutely appalling”.

Worcestershire County Councillor Pat Agar, who is a member of the authority's health overview and scrutiny committee, said: “The chief problem all along has been care homes, and the way in which people have been left exposed and vulnerable, and it is not good enough.

"Lessons should have been learnt from the first wave.

“There is no excuse. They are like collateral damage in this situation, and it is not good enough and immoral.

"The worry now is if it happens in other care homes. It if happens in one, just how easy is it to happen in others?”

The home said on Thursday that 15 had residents had died, who has tested positive for Covid-19 in recent weeks, and a small number of other residents had also died from other causes.

Dave Ashbolt, Care UK’s regional director, said: “I would like to send my condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost someone from our home in recent weeks.

“We are all saddened by the losses and everyone is in our thoughts.

“I would like to pay tribute to the team at the home who have done an incredible job in very difficult circumstances. Many have tested positive and have been self-isolating so colleagues have been working extra shifts and taking on whatever task needs to be done.

“Not only have they provided top quality, loving care to residents but they have also worked tirelessly to reassure relatives where they can and keep them up to date with news.

“The team has been touched by the kind messages and gifts that they have received from relatives and the local community. I would also like to say thank you to all the local health protection team members and our GP Dr Maggie Keeble for their support and advice.”

Dr Kathryn Cobain, director of public health for Worcestershire, said: “Worcestershire County Council is working with Public Health England (PHE) Midlands to support Perry Manor Care Home in Worcester following an outbreak of Covid-19.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with the families of those who have passed away.

“Unfortunately, it is a real reminder to us all that COVID-19 remains in our communities.

“Outbreak management procedures are being followed, cases are isolating and visiting is restricted to essential visits only.

“Multi-agency support has been provided to the care home since the first positive cases were identified.

“Staff at the home are working hard to ensure residents are receiving the highest standards of care.

“They continue to prioritise the health and safety of all the residents and the staff.

Worcestershire County Council was contacted for an update on the home, but no one responded before our deadline.