Wiltshire Council has responded to new data revealing that more than 400 people have died in county care homes due to the coronavirus.

According to figures from CQC, 433 care home residents have died from Covid-19 in Wiltshire between April 10, 2020 and March 31, 2021.

The CQC noted that the deaths do not in themselves mean that care quality was poor.

CEO of Wiltshire Care Partnership, Jo Howes said the data fails to recognise the national decision to discharge people from hospital to care homes early in the pandemic, a lack of PPE and the challenges of responding to new strains of the virus.

“It also fails to recognise the loss felt by care staff at the passing of those in their care, through no fault of their own, or the hard work the care sector has contributed to fighting this virus during the pandemic,” she said.

This was backed by the council, who said the numbers do not reflect an inability to follow guidance in care settings. Rather it is the reuslt of an unknown and deadly virus which spread in the community and affected the most vulnerable groups, including those in care homes.

The council said that since mid-April last year, it has worked in partnership with the CCG, Wiltshire Care Partnership, PHE and CQC to support care homes. This included providing infection control funds and setting up the Care Home Advisory Group across health, social care and WCP.

A spokesman for the local authority explained: “A Covid-19 provider team was set up with a dedicated helpline and email address, and was operating six days per week supporting care providers.

“The team kept in regular contact with providers, organising the delivery of PPE where needed, providing easy to read guidance, organising regular webinars to share good practice, and problem solving, as well as a one-stop shop for advice and guidance on infection prevention and control.”

Cabinet member for adult social care, Jane Davies said: “Our thoughts are with those families who have lost loved ones. We have worked together with care providers and our health colleagues providing support and advice.

“We are regularly sharing good practice and guidance so we can ensure our residents have the very best support.”

Director of public health in Wiltshire, Kate Blackburn said it is important not to lose sight of the fact that these numbers represent a loved one.

“Care providers in Wiltshire have worked hard to maintain dignity and respect for residents and to cope with immense pressure, and I would like to recognise their hard work and dedication,” she continued.

“We will continue to work closely with and support our care providers as they maintain their dedication to their residents during these challenging times.”

“Data fails to recognise the loss felt by care staff... through no fault of their own”