An agency worker at an Aberdeen care home, where six people suspected of having coronavirus have died, has been sacked for failing to stick to isolation guidelines.
The carer, who came to the attention of police for flouting the rules, was working at Kingswells Care Home – despite an immediate family member being advised to isolate.
The government has issued guidance that anyone with family members showing possible symptoms of Covid-19 then they should self-isolate for 14 days.
Officers informed employer Aberdeen Nursing Agency of the allegation, who “immediately removed” the worker from the home.
It has since been confirmed the carer has not contracted the virus.
On Monday The Press And Journal reported there had been six deaths linked to coronavirus at Kingswells Care Home in recent weeks.
Yesterday, chief executive of Aberdeen Nursing Agency Louise Johnston said: “I can confirm that one of our employees was dismissed, for foregoing the current rules on isolation on April 4.
“A carer whose immediate family had been advised to isolate with suspected symptoms of Covid-19 continued working, without reporting their situation to either Aberdeen Nursing Agency or the care home.
“The individual in question was immediately removed from Kingswells Care Home after police alerted us to the situation.
“Information and guidance issued by the UK Government, the Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland has been passed on to our staff in order they are aware of their obligations as nurses and carers.
“We rely on our staff to comply with our instructions and are disappointed that this was not the case here.”
Kingswells Care Home is owned by Aberdeen City Health And Social Care Partnership (ACHSCP), and run by the city council’s arm-length operator Bon Accord Care.
ACHSCP Chief Officer Sandra MacLeod said: “Aberdeen City Health And Social Care Partnership expects all providers to strictly comply with regulatory and professional policy and process for all staff working within care homes and community settings.
“All staff – whether employed directly by us, our partner organisations or through an agency – must adhere to all government guidelines around Covid-19.
“We will take any and all appropriate action where necessary to ensure compliance.”
Police confirmed after speaking to the nursing agency that no further action would be taken against the carer.