Care homes in East Dunbartonshire tell Council Leader of PPE concerns

Conservative Councillor Andrew Polson said a number of care homes in East Dunbartonshire have told him of their concerns over PPE.

He said they told him they “either don’t have the protective gear they need, or are concerned about supplies running out.”

He pointed out the deaths of 16 residents at Burlington Court Care Home in Glasgow and eight at Castleview Care Home in Dumbarton from suspected COVID-19 outbreaks.

Councillor Polson, who has an older brother in a care home, added: “Having an elder brother who I’m responsible for in a care home, I know first hand the worry and deep concern that many staff across the sector have.

“It is understandable that much of the attention has gone on hospitals and GPs when it comes to the provision of PPE, but the SNP government needs to remember that care homes are absolutely on the front line too.

“Amid this pandemic, many of them feel they’ve been treated like second-class citizens and things aren’t changing quickly enough.”

He continued: “It is becoming apparent our care homes simply don’t have the equipment they need to save lives and protect their hardworking staff - and when they do have PPE equipment, they’re fearful of it running out soon.

“We’re seeing at this time, alarmingly high number of deaths in our care homes and it’s something Nicola Sturgeon must focus her attention on as a matter of urgency.”

But local SNP MSP Rona Mackay accused Councillor Polson of “politicising” the issue.

The Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP said: “I’m disappointed – but not surprised – to see Andrew Polson trying to politicise this issue. It is petty and not helpful.

“The Scottish Government has given assurances that it will take all possible steps to ensure all appropriate supplies will be made available to the workforce via local authorities. If care homes In East Dunbartonshire do not have the equipment they need they should contact the council immediately.

“New guidance was issued by COSLA and the Scottish Government this week stating that all workers should wear protective clothing whenever they feel it is necessary.

“Social and home care staff are doing an amazing job during this pandemic and they must be protected at every level.”

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