Jackie Baillie has told of her concern at the latest figures which show 60 people have died from Covid-19 in care homes in her constituency since the start of the pandemic.

Figures released by the Care Inspectorate to the Dumbarton constituency MSP show that, in the last year alone, there have been 15 deaths in facilities across West Dunbartonshire, Helensburgh and Lomond.

HC-One run Castle View Care Home remains the worst affected facility with a total of 23 Covid-related deaths since March 2020, seven of which have occurred between March 2021 and May 1^st this year.

At West Dunbartonshire Council run Crosslet House Care Home, there have been 11 deaths throughout the pandemic, none of which have occurred between March 2021 and May this year.

And at Balquhidder, there has been one more death since March 2021 meaning Covid-related fatalities there total 12.

Both Strathleven and Sunningdale report no deaths relating to Covid.

In Helensburgh, Northwood House Care Home is worst affected with six deaths, one of which has happened since March 2021.

The Argyle Care Centre has reported four deaths, Lochside House has had three Covid-related deaths and Morar Lodge has had one.

Hermitage House reports no Covid-related deaths.

These new figures come just weeks after Ms Baillie demanded First Minister Nicola Sturgeon faces up to the potentially unlawful decision her Government made by discharging patients from hospitals to care homes, without testing, at the height of the pandemic which cost lives.

This followed a ruling in England which deemed the discharge of untested patients to care homes at the height of the pandemic as being unlawful.

Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton constituency MSP, said: “It is really sad to hear that 60 residents in local care homes have died from Covid and that this total has increased by 15 in just over a year.

“This is heartbreaking for the families as each of these statistics represents someone who was loved and will be sorely missed.

“It is imperative that people realise that, although restrictions have been lifted, Covid still poses a threat particularly to those in vulnerable groups including the elderly.

“It was disappointing last month that, despite the landmark ruling in England, Nicola Sturgeon failed to admit her Government made potentially unlawful mistakes at the start of the pandemic which has cost lives.

“It is vital that a public inquiry which has been promised by the SNP Government focuses on lessons which can be learned from the pandemic particularly where people have died and how these tragedies could be prevented if this situation arises again.”