Care home deaths in NI 'higher than official figures'

In an interview with the BBC, Eddie Lynch said some residents' deaths were being recorded as hospital fatalities.

The latest figures show 45% of coronavirus deaths up to 1 May took place in care homes.

The Department of Health (DoH) said it had provided a wide range of support to care homes.

Mr Lynch told BBC News NI: "We know of many homes who have told us that some of their residents were moved to hospital and sadly passed away.

"There is clear evidence now that the number of people now that are unfortunately falling victim to this terrible virus in care homes far outweighs any other setting."

The commissioner was speaking after BBC News NI highlighted the reality facing the care home sector after being given exclusive access inside Massereene Manor in Antrim.

"It was a really insightful report," he said.

"I think it puts a human face to many of the people who are regarded as heroes working in care homes and who are working flat out and the least they deserve is to get the proper equipment to do their jobs and to get tested."

According to the latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) there have been 232 confirmed Covid-19 deaths in care homes across Northern Ireland up to 1 May - which accounts for 45% of all coronavirus-linked deaths.

These official figures, which are published weekly, reflect where a person has died according to the information on the death certificate.

It means if someone is moved from a residential or nursing home to hospital and then dies with Covid-19, their death is included among the hospital statistics.

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