'Don't forget about us' says Torquay care home after big rise in nationwide deaths

Bosses at a Torquay care home say they have been left to manage their response to Covid-19 alone, and are calling on the Government to make sure the sector is not forgotten.

Latest figures show 226 people died in the region's care homes in the last week.

ITV News has spoken to the owner and deputy manager of Warberries Nursing Home, who say they are staying positive in challenging circumstances.

Lucy Hall is deputy manager of Warberries Nursing Home in Torquay Credit: ITV News

Lucy Hall, the care home's deputy manager says care homes were 'forgotten about' when the coronavirus crisis began.

"To start with it was quite hard, a lot of the press was about the NHS which is great, they do a brilliant job, but I think care homes did get forgotten about slightly," she says.

"We're still going to have to deal with this in the community, we're still going to have to look after people and a lot of the residents we do look after won't be able to go into hospital.

"Behind the scenes we're just plodding along, trying to care for people the same as we always would but it's nice to be forefront for a while."

The home's bosses want more support from the Government. Credit: ITV News

Last month the home was running dangerously low on protective equipment for staff, and they have had to rely on the kindness of the community to make up the shortfall.

She added: "We've spent a lot of time going round and round in circles trying to get enough PPE. We use up to 100 masks a day, that's without Covid.

"We're in a more secure place with PPE now, we've had a lot of donations, we've had a lot of good things happen. A company in Nottingham sent down 250 face visors completely free, somebody locally bought a 3D printer and they have been making face shields for us.

"Things like that keep you going because they are going to be harder to get as we go down the line."

Read more: Devon doctor calls for wearing of face masks to be compulsory

The home has had to rely on private purchases and donations to get enough protective equipment. Credit: Warberries Care Home

The home's owner says he feels the Government is just starting to understand the position care homes are in.

The Department of Health says it is "working around the clock" to deliver PPE as quickly as it can.

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