Deaths linked to Covid confirmed at Fife hospital as ward closed to new admissions

A total of 27 staff and patients connected with ward one at Glenrothes Hospital have tested positive for coronavirus so far, but this number is expected to increase.

NHS Fife has confirmed there have been deaths linked to the cluster, but due to confidentiality, would only confirm the number is fewer than five.

A statement on the NHS Fife website said: “A total of 27 staff and patients associated with the ward have been confirmed as positive for COVID-19.

"Sadly, there has been loss of life connected to the cluster.

"For reasons of confidentiality, we are unable to release any further information on this, however, we can confirm that the number is less than five. Our thoughts are with the bereaved at this time. Ward 1 remains closed to new admissions.”

In an earlier statement on the NHS Fife website on December 8, which revealed the cluster of cases, it said enhanced cleaning has been put in place in an effort to slow the spread.

NHS Fife is continuing to monitor the situation.

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Helen Buchanan, the health board’s director of nursing, said: “Our first priority is the safety of patients and staff and we have taken a number of actions in order to try to prevent further spread of the virus.

“Enhanced cleaning measures are in place, in addition to our already stringent cleaning schedules, and the ward is closed to new admissions.”

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