A WEE COUNTY care home is in "recovery" after a number of residents died following an outbreak of coronavirus.

Care provider HC-One confirmed The Orchard in Tullibody "previously experienced an outbreak and that sadly some residents have passed away,

It is not known how many died, with a spokesperson adding: "The home is now in 'recovery'".

The admission was made after the Advertiser contacted the company about one woman's concerns that a number of deaths linked to Covid-19 had occurred there.

The woman, who does not wish to be identified, said a family member was one of those who sadly passed-away at The Orchard after contracting Covid-19.

It was said she died within five days of testing positive for the virus.

The family member said: "My mum was taken early when she shouldn't have been. It's just so sad."

She also questioned just how the virus managed to spread within the care home weeks after it went into lockdown.

She said: "There hasn't been visitors coming in for weeks; so how was it even getting in there to start with?"

The Advertiser asked HC-One how many deaths linked to coronavirus had occurred at The Orchard.

However, the company's policy is not to provide figures for the number of cases or deaths at individual care homes.

Nevertheless, the company has confirmed that, as of May 18, a total of 209 residents passed-away in its homes across Scotland with confirmed or suspected cases of coronavirus.

The latest data from National Records of Scotland – as of May 10 – also shows that of the 35 deaths linked to coronavirus in Clackmannanshire, 26 occurred in care homes.

Addressing the situation at The Orchard, a spokesperson for the care home said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with all families who have lost a loved one from coronavirus and we are doing our utmost to support them during this difficult time.

"Caring for our residents and supporting our colleagues is at the heart of what we do, and we are doing everything we can to make sure our residents and colleagues stay safe and well throughout these challenging times.

"We have a comprehensive coronavirus contingency plan in place, which was created by our clinical director and reflects the latest government guidance.

"We have secured the medical equipment, PPE, and supplies we need to protect residents and colleagues alike.

"Colleagues have access to a range of specific coronavirus training modules, including on the correct use of PPE.

"These training modules have been regularly updated to reflect all changes in the guidance over recent weeks. We are also working closely with our local health and care partners.

"HC-One have been regularly keeping in touch with the next of kin of our residents at The Orchard care home to inform them of the situation, as well as providing the necessary updates on their loved ones."