MORE than half the residents of an Aberystwyth care home have been infected with Covid-19, and there have sadly been more deaths at the home.

MHA Hafan y Waun Care Home, on Waunfawr, has reported “more deaths”, after the care home confirmed a “significant” outbreak of Covid-19 on 9 November.

Figures from 12 November seen by the Cambrian News show that 47 residents of the 90-bed home have tested positive during the outbreak, along with 19 members of staff.

The daughter of one the residents who died is urging the community to support the “dedicated” but “exhausted” carers at the home. Praising the work done by the staff on the ground at Hafan y Waun, she added: “The hands-on care was excellent.”

A spokesperson for MHA said this week: “I can confirm that there has, sadly, been more deaths at the home and our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends.”

The care home and the council said they could not confirm the exact numbers of cases or deaths.

But in a letter, seen by the Cambrian News, from Ceredigion County Council to family members of residents, chief executive Eifion Evans said, as of 12 November, there were 47 confirmed positive cases within the residents of the home and 19 positive cases within the staff.

The home has said it is “almost impossible to say where or how” the outbreak started.

In another letter, seen by the Cambrian News, sent to residents’ relatives, it was said the outbreak was detected “through a resident testing positive for Covid-19 on discharge from Bronglais Hospital”.

The letter states: “The care home is currently managing an outbreak of Covid-19.

“This was detected through a resident testing positive for Covid-19 on discharge from Bronglais Hospital. This led to both staff and residents being tested and a number of these returning positive tests.”

But the affected resident was not discharged to the care home after testing positive, the council said.

In response to the incident, Ceredigion County Council announced a “multi-agency Incident Management Team” to help deal with the crisis. This team includes the council, Hywel Dda University Health Board and Public Health Wales.

On behalf of the IMT, the council said: “Whole-home testing for Covid-19 was undertaken at MHA Hafan y Waun Care Home after a resident tested positive whilst in hospital and awaiting discharge.

“This resident was not discharged to the care home having tested positive for Covid-19.

“The multi-agency Incident Management Team continues to monitor the situation at the care home and provide support to staff and residents.”

Visits to Hafan y Waun are still suspended and the home are encouraging relatives to contact residents virtually, on the phone or through video conferencing.

In addition, arrangements have been made for family, friends and well-wishers to take any gifts and donations to Waunfawr Community Centre, Brynceinion, Waunfawr, Aberystwyth SY23 3PN on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10am and 12pm.

Staff at MHA Hafan y Waun in Aberystwyth have expressed their thanks for the support and kindness shown by the local community as the care home works through an outbreak of Covid-19. 

 

Home manager Mandy Pilcher said: “The community around Aberystwyth has always supported MHA Hafan y Waun but we have been overwhelmed by their kindness in recent days. It has really meant a lot to all the team and the residents knowing they are being thought of by people. 

 

“I just want to say on behalf of MHA Hafan y Waun a massive ‘thank you’ to everyone for their messages and gifts.”