A QUARTER of all deaths in care homes across Hampshire were recorded as Covid-19 related, but the actual number could be higher.

Hampshire County Council has revealed that 449 deaths (25 per cent) countywide in care homes between late February and mid-June were as a result of the virus.

However, the council has said it is “impossible” to provide a “precise figure” because testing wasn’t widely introduced in the early stages of the pandemic.

“This means that deaths would not necessarily have been recorded as Covid-19 specific,” said Councillor Liz Fairhurst, executive member for adult social care and health, meaning the true figure could be much higher.

She added that around 40 per cent of Hampshire care homes have had confirmed Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, and these have been supported by the council along with NHS partners.

This includes Wessex Lodge in Whitchurch, where an ‘outbreak’ was confirmed, meaning there were more than two cases.

As previously reported, the home confirmed it suffered a coronavirus outbreak, but has not specified how many lives have been lost.

It is believed as many as 13 residents in the 40-bed home died at the Newbury Road site.

The county council has also been unable to provide a figure, saying: “We don’t have a total figure as the home isn’t required to report all deaths to us, only those that relate to county council clients.”

Cllr Fairhurst said the council offered support to homes in the form of advice on staffing practice or how to isolate people safely, as well as practical help such as the delivery of infection control training.

“Our role is not to investigate but to support, and we do this in conjunction with our local NHS partners,” she said, adding: “In the case of Wessex Lodge, homes are not required to notify the local authority directly of every suspected or confirmed case. However, we continue to support the home during what has been an extremely difficult period for residents and their loved ones, as well as the care staff.

“While the situation continues to improve both at this home, as well as others across the county, we must remain vigilant to the dangers the virus presents.”