Midlands nursing home has over 30 confirmed COVID-19 cases

A Midlands nursing home has confirmed it has an outbreak of 31 positive cases of COVID-19.

In a statement issued this afternoon, Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home, Portlaoise (Co. Laois) said it is currently dealing with 31 confirmed cases of Covid-19. 21 of these cases relate to residents and ten to members of staff.

"Since we had confirmed cases towards the end of last week, all family members were contacted and have been updated on a continuous basis," it said.

A Family Liaison Officer was appointed on Monday evening at the nursing home and is engaging with relatives of residents at the home. All families have been contacted directly by telephone between last night and this morning and have been given status updates on the health, welfare and care of their relative.

I"n line with Public Health protocols and guidelines, residents who have tested positive for the virus are isolating in their rooms. We cannot comment on the status of these cases as they are personal health related matters.

"Our Director of Nursing is leading the care team at the nursing home and is working closely with Public Health to ensure appropriate measures are put in place to contain the virus.

"We would like to thank all our staff for their dedication, selfless efforts, and tireless work. We would also like to acknowledge the tremendous support given by our lead inspector at HIQA. Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home remains fully operational but is closed to visitor and non-essential visitors in line with Level 3 government restrictions."