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WORKERS at care homes across Renfrewshire have been praised for putting their own safety at risk to help others during the coronavirus crisis.
Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur hailed staff for the “heroic lengths” they are going to in order to protect the elderly people they look after.
He highlighted their bravery as it was revealed more than a third of all Covid-19 deaths in Renfrewshire have taken place in care homes.
Latest figures from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) show a total of 76 people in Renfrewshire had lost their lives to coronavirus up to April 19.
Of those, 29 deaths were in care homes, with 42 hospital deaths and five at home.
However, the NRS is expected to confirm a higher death toll for local care homes when the figures are next updated, as it was revealed earlier this week that 22 residents have died of suspected coronavirus at Elderslie Care Home, in Paisley.
Read more: Coronavirus deaths double at care home
It had previously been announced that 11 residents at that care home had lost their lives, with three more at Mosswood Care Home, in Linwood, falling victim to the virus.
Mr Arthur, who is based in Johnstone, expressed his “deepest sympathies” to those who have lost loved ones.
He told The Gazette: “This devastating virus disproportionately affects our elderly and most vulnerable. I am acutely aware of the impact this has had on care homes.
“The staff have my sincere gratitude for the work they are doing to care for their residents, with many going to heroic lengths to protect those they look after.
“These statistics are an incredibly sad indication of the impact that Covid-19 has.”
Advinia Health Care, which runs Elderslie Care Home, confirmed that 22 residents there have passed away of suspected coronavirus since the middle of this month, with more showing symptoms of the illness.
Some staff are self-isolating, while residents displaying symptoms are being ‘barrier nursed’ in isolation.
A spokesman for Advinia said: “We regret to advise that an additional 11 residents have now passed away after displaying symptoms consistent with coronavirus.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of each resident at this sad time.”
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