Midlands nursing home confirms three deaths from COVID-19

A Midlands nursing home has confirmed that three of its residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have passed away.

Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home, Portlaoise, last week, confirmed it had 31 positive confirmed cases of Covid-19. 21 of these cases related to residents and ten to members of staff.

Today, the nursing home said that since the outbreak commenced three of its residents had passed away. These residents had tested positive for COVID-19. Two of the deaths were within the nursing home itself, and one person passed away in Portlaoise General Hospital.

The management, staff and community within Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home expressed their sincere sympathy and condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased residents.

In a statement, the nursing home said it had continued with best practices that were identified from the onset of the pandemic in line with Public Health and WHO recommendations and it continued to work closely with Public Health, The HSE and HIQA.

No new positive tests emerged following the results of a second round of testing which were carried out on Thursday, October 8.

It said one resident is currently under the care of Portlaoise General Hospital.

“Our Family Liaison Officer is available to all families and is providing support where required. We want to sincerely thank our hard-working staff who have given their selfless and tireless dedication to the care of our residents at this time. We also want to acknowledge the medical support given by Portlaoise General Hospital.

“The management and staff at Kilminchy Lodge are also grateful for the support of the families and friends of all our residents during these difficult times. The goodwill, support and kindness of the local community and local businesses has been incredible, we are humbled by the generosity and kindness of so many people who have sent the staff and residents flowers, gifts and cards with messages of support and best wishes.”