A DARLINGTON care home has confirmed that seven residents have died under their care in the past six days. 

Riverside View Care Home on Hutton Avenue made the announcement as it confirmed one of its residents had now tested positive for coronavirus.

It said it had taken the decision not to admit new residents into the home and that Care Quality Commission and Public Health England had been informed.

A spokesperson from Riverside View Care Home told The Northern Echo: "Over the last 6 days the home has sadly had 7 deaths.

"None of the deceased residents have been tested for Covid-19 and at this stage we are not aware of any deaths being attributed to Covid 19, underlying health issue, traditional elderly decline, EOL and a suspected heart attack are contributing factors.

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

"There are no positive cases within the home of staff or residents, a resident who is receiving care in hospital has been tested positive."

The care home said its manager and staff team had the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to 'ensure' staff were protected against coronavirus in line with government advice. 

It said: "All necessary external notifications have been submitted to the regulating bodies such as CQC and Public Health England.

"The decision has been made internally not to admit new residents in to the home at present until the residents and staff are allowed to grieve for those who have passed and to ensure they are fully prepared for admissions.

"Our condolences to the families for the loss of their loved ones at this challenging time."

It comes as councils across the North-East were today accused of a "sickening" lack of support for care homes dealing with the coronavirus crisis.

Care North East, which represents more than 250 homes across the region, hit out at local authorities and demanded urgent funding to help protect the lives of 36,000 vulnerable residents and care staff.

The organisation claims that none of the North-East’s councils have offered adequate money to allow a “forgotten army” of carers to cope with the added burdens of dealing with Covid-19.