CARE Quality Commission (CQC) has confirmed it is aware of the ‘tragic’ recent outbreak at a Basingstoke care home, and says its supporting the staff.

As previously reported by the Gazette, the deaths occurred at Pemberley House Care Home in Grove Road, Viables, operated by private firm, Avery Healthcare.

The outbreak was first declared on Tuesday, January 5, with 60 per cent of its residents testing positive for the disease, according to sources.

Within three weeks, 22 people had died - over one-third of the home's residents.

A spokesperson for CQC, the independent regulator of health and social care in England, told the Gazette that it could not provide exact figures for deaths directly resulting from the outbreak.

However, Rebecca Bauers, the body’s head of inspection for adult social care in the South, said: “We are aware of an Covid-19 outbreak at Pemberley Care Home and that tragically some people in care have died as a result.

“The care home has been supported by local partners and put in place the proper contingencies by following the government’s good practice guidance.”

She added: “We are in touch with the care home and will do all that we can to support them and local partners.”

Public Health England (PHE) was also unable to give precise figures, as care homes are not obliged to report these to them.

However, it praised the ‘incredibly hard work’ of care home staff, and said it would be supporting them to prevent further cases.

Trish Mannes, Deputy Director of Health Protection for Public Health England South East, said: “It is important that we do all we can to protect our elderly and vulnerable in care homes. It is really positive news that vaccinations are being given to priority groups according to age and vulnerability. Care home residents and staff have been prioritised for vaccination.

“We know care home staff are under a huge amount of pressure and we have nothing but admiration for the tough job they are doing. Sadly, many care home residents, as well as some of the dedicated staff who care for them, have lost their lives during this pandemic and many families have lost loved ones.

“Our role at PHE is to work very closely with local authority and NHS colleagues, as well as care home management teams in the event of a confirmed case or outbreak. We advise the care home management teams on the best actions to take to help prevent further cases.

“Care homes have been working incredibly hard to stop the spread of COVID-19. When residents or staff members develop symptoms, they immediately implement cleaning, self-shielding and self-isolating measures. All homes are advised to keep these measures in place to help reduce the risk of further cases, and are given guidance to closely monitor residents, looking out for symptoms such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing.”