A WOMAN is greatly concerned over council care staff COVID policy after claims that her sister-in-law’s carer did not self-isolate following close contact with an individual who tested positive for coronavirus – or wear PPE when visiting her home back in February.

The woman says her sister-in-law is severely disabled and so requires regular assistance from four carers who are sent to her home at breakfast, lunch and dinner time.

Around February 15, the woman was disturbed to hear that the carer had reportedly been in contact with her daughter who had tested positive for the virus.

Instead of self-isolating as per government guidance, the relative claims the carer carried on with her professional duties despite being in further contact with her daughter and grandchildren.

Again, the woman claims the carer did not self isolate nor notify anyone that she had been in contact with a positive case. She claims the carer did not take a test and did not wear any PPE during visits.

She explained: “My sister-in-law is severely disabled, she had a stroke and is paralysed down the left side of her body.

“East Ayrshire Council send round four carers daily. One carer had been in contact with her daughter who had tested positive at hospital.

“The carer went round to her daughter’s house when she had COVID then took her kids back to her house for three days. The carer didn’t isolate.

“She didn’t know if she had COVID or not but the daughter did and she didn’t wear any PPE, any gloves or aprons so I think it’s disgusting.”

The woman claims that after making a complaint to the council, the carer was taken off duty that night but was reinstated around two days later due to staffing issues.

She continued: “It happened in February and I’ve been fighting with the council ever since. I barely get any responses.

“She [the carer] has not been back at my sister-in-law’s house. The trust is gone. They don’t seem to care.”

Dr Erik Sutherland, Head of Locality Health and Care Services, East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership advised: “East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership is aware of this complaint and we have conducted an investigation into the matter with the full involvement of all those concerned.

“We have responded to the agencies involved in this incident, including the Care Inspectorate, Scottish Social Services Council, Scottish Public Sector Ombudsman, Police Scotland and insurers.

“The investigation concluded that no harm was caused directly from the incident and there are no outstanding actions in relation to these regulatory bodies.

“In response to the concerns raised we took immediate action to improve compliance with performance standards and to prevent such concerns occurring again in future.”

Dr Sutherland added: “The critical services provided by the care at home workforce have been delivered throughout the pandemic for our most vulnerable residents and have been maintained in line with Health Protection Scotland and Scottish Government guidance.”