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Probe call after death of pensioner
Caroline Wilson
21 May 2010
A pensioner?s family who claim their father died after contracting norovirus at a bug-hit care home is calling for a probe into his death.
John Dewar, 78, fell ill at Burnbank Residential Home in Maryhill, Glasgow. The council-run home was closed to admissions last month after 20 people were struck down with the winter vomiting bug.
Three residents, including Mr Dewar, were treated in hospital after contracting the bug and it is understood the others have not returned to the home.
Mr Dewar?s death certificate gave a ?chest infection? as the cause of his demise.
However, his son Iain Dewar, 49, a lecturer from Knightswood, said the family was considering legal action if inquiries show that poor infection control standards led to his death.
At the time of the outbreak employees claimed low staffing levels had contributed to the spread of the virus although this was denied by the council.
Mr Dewar said: ?Dad had suffered from cancer but had recovered.
?His health was good enough for him to be taken out once a week for a pint.
?After he was admitted to hospital he never regained consciousness.
?Staff at the home were extremely guarded when my brother went to settle my father?s account.?
A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: ?We were saddened to learn of the death of Mr Dewar.
?We remain very much open to discussing with the family any concerns they may have.
?During the recent outbreak of illness at Burnbank House, no residents were confirmed as having norovirus.
?Infection control measures were implemented following advice from the local NHS Public Health Unit and the home is now operating as normal.
?We are satisfied that appropriate standards of hygiene are maintained in the home as a matter of course.?
The norovirus thrives in confined environments ? such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools and cruise ships ? but can be beaten by good hygiene.
A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: ?In the case of suspected norovirus outbreaks in care homes NHSGGC?s Public Health Unit provides advice and guidance to the agencies running these facilities.
?Public Health will advise the facilities to take samples from any residents suspected of having the virus which are sent to hospital bacteriology laboratories to test for bacteria such as Cryptosporidium, E-coli and Salmonella.
?They are also sent for analysis to hospital virology laboratories to identify possible virus strains such as the Norovirus.
?If bacteria such as Cryptosporidium, E-coli or Salmonella are identified the sample results are sent to Public Health who will then begin an investigation into the possible source and put in place arrangements to manage the situation.
?Otherwise the virology sample results are shared with the patient?s named GP who will liaise with the care home regarding the care and treatment for their patient.?
- 20 people fell ill with the vomiting bug at Burnbank Residential Home
Caroline Wilson
21 May 2010
A pensioner?s family who claim their father died after contracting norovirus at a bug-hit care home is calling for a probe into his death.
John Dewar, 78, fell ill at Burnbank Residential Home in Maryhill, Glasgow. The council-run home was closed to admissions last month after 20 people were struck down with the winter vomiting bug.
Three residents, including Mr Dewar, were treated in hospital after contracting the bug and it is understood the others have not returned to the home.
Mr Dewar?s death certificate gave a ?chest infection? as the cause of his demise.
However, his son Iain Dewar, 49, a lecturer from Knightswood, said the family was considering legal action if inquiries show that poor infection control standards led to his death.
At the time of the outbreak employees claimed low staffing levels had contributed to the spread of the virus although this was denied by the council.
Mr Dewar said: ?Dad had suffered from cancer but had recovered.
?His health was good enough for him to be taken out once a week for a pint.
?After he was admitted to hospital he never regained consciousness.
?Staff at the home were extremely guarded when my brother went to settle my father?s account.?
A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: ?We were saddened to learn of the death of Mr Dewar.
?We remain very much open to discussing with the family any concerns they may have.
?During the recent outbreak of illness at Burnbank House, no residents were confirmed as having norovirus.
?Infection control measures were implemented following advice from the local NHS Public Health Unit and the home is now operating as normal.
?We are satisfied that appropriate standards of hygiene are maintained in the home as a matter of course.?
The norovirus thrives in confined environments ? such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools and cruise ships ? but can be beaten by good hygiene.
A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: ?In the case of suspected norovirus outbreaks in care homes NHSGGC?s Public Health Unit provides advice and guidance to the agencies running these facilities.
?Public Health will advise the facilities to take samples from any residents suspected of having the virus which are sent to hospital bacteriology laboratories to test for bacteria such as Cryptosporidium, E-coli and Salmonella.
?They are also sent for analysis to hospital virology laboratories to identify possible virus strains such as the Norovirus.
?If bacteria such as Cryptosporidium, E-coli or Salmonella are identified the sample results are sent to Public Health who will then begin an investigation into the possible source and put in place arrangements to manage the situation.
?Otherwise the virology sample results are shared with the patient?s named GP who will liaise with the care home regarding the care and treatment for their patient.?
