CARE workers at a residential home in East Dunbartonshire have criticised management over its handling of a suspected coronavirus outbreak after nine residents died with symptoms.

Three members of staff, who spoke to The National's sister paper The Herald anonymously, said they had “serious concerns” about infection control at Springvale Care Home in Lennoxtown.

They said nine residents had passed away with Covid-19 symptoms but that new admissions had continued - and staff were working without protective equipment.

All three said they had been told they were overreacting by asking for protective masks and were warned against speaking out.

At the time of speaking to The Herald last week, seven residents had died while another was gravely ill with possible Covid-19, but families of residents had not been told about the risk.

It is understood two more residents have died over the weekend. 

One staff member said: “I have serious concerns about the way Springvale Care Home have been conducting themselves in relation to a Covid-19 outbreak.

“To my knowledge there have been seven deaths and as many residents with symptoms who are very unwell.

“I am disgusted that with all this happening, the management at Springvale are still admitting residents from a sister care home. These residents’ families have no idea about the outbreak and are happily sending their loved ones to this potential danger.

“Also management have not actively been taking measures to ensure that this virus doesn’t spread. Even after confirmed cases staff have been moved around units. The management have been playing the situation down and telling staff it’s ridiculous that we are asking for masks and that this virus is not airborne, so as long as we wash our hands we will be fine.”

All three whistleblowers said they had been told they were overreacting by asking for protective masks and were warned against speaking out.

It comes as the Care Inspectorate confirmed that residents at Drumchapel's Almond Court had died following suspected Covid-19 cases with workers in contact with the care service.

Speaking about the Glasgow deaths, a Care Inspectorate spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the tragic death of residents at this care home as a result of suspected cases of Covid-19.

"Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those affected as well as the staff and wider community of the home.

"We have been notified of the circumstances and we are in contact with the care service and the local health and social care partnership during this difficult time.

"All of Scotland's social care sector is working under very difficult circumstances to care for people during the pandemic and the Care Inspectorate is doing all it can to support them."

Nine elderly residents additionally reportedly died at Tranent Care Home in East Lothian; eight others died after showing symptoms at Castle View care home in Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire; and 13 residents died at Burlington Court care home in Glasgow.

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