TWO Worcester care homes named in a report into the horrific number of care home deaths due to Covid say the figures should not be taken at face value.

The Care Quality Commission report revealed between April last year and March this year, 475 care home residents died with Covid-19 in Worcestershire.

Two Worcester care homes were named in the report, Perry Manor had 20 recorded deaths and Latimer Court had 16.

Both care homes, however, said the figures may not be entirely accurate as 'the recorded reason for death was often based on judgement rather than fact'.

Overall, 92 individual care homes in the county reported at least one Covid-19 related death.

Latimer Court, in Darwin Avenue, off Newtown Road, said they were 'deeply saddened' by the loss of life and admitted it was a 'challenging time.'

A spokesman said: “We send our condolences to all family and friends affected. Throughout the pandemic, the elderly and vulnerable have been more susceptible to COVID-19 and sadly some of our residents lost their lives to this awful virus.

"It has been a challenging time, with very little known about the virus and no testing available for a number of months, and therefore the reason for death was not always known - but often based on judgement rather than fact."

A spokesman for Perry Manor, next to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, the home with the most deaths in Worcestershire, added: “Our thoughts and condolences are with everyone who has been affected by the pandemic.

"It is important to caveat any figure with the fact that in the early stages of the pandemic we registered all losses of residents with even the mildest symptoms as possible Covid-19 deaths.

“The criteria for how to identify a Covid-19 related death before testing was widely available will vary between care home operators and it is possible that we are not comparing like with like.

"It is also worth noting that Perry Manor is a larger than average care home which is rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission."

Councillor Adrian Hardman, deputy leader of Worcestershire County Council with responsibility for adult social care, said: “The past 16 months has been an incredibly hard time for all of us for many different reasons.

“Any loss of life is a terrible shame and we have sadly seen deaths from Covid-19 in care homes locally, regionally and nationally.

“I would like to offer my personal condolences to anyone who has had someone close to them pass away in a care home due to Covid, or who has passed away having had a positive test for Covid within 28 days prior to their passing.

“I know any death will also have had a big impact on care staff who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and have also had to adapt incredibly quickly in ever changing circumstances.

“These really have been unprecedented times and nothing that we’ve ever faced before in our lifetime.

“Sadly, a significant number of deaths in care homes across the country occurred in the early stages of the pandemic, prior to extensive testing being carried out locally and nationally in hospitals and homes. We all recognise that many care home residents will have had a health condition that will have also increased their vulnerability to this infection.

“I’d like to thank all our care home staff for everything they have done throughout the pandemic to keep residents safe, and also residents, their families and friends for their continued understanding.”