COUNTY chiefs have denied claims that more than 30 residents have died at one care home in Winchester.

A source has told the Chronicle that 32 occupants of Westholme Care Home, in Harestock Road, have died at the Hampshire County Council-run home.

The source has alleged that some 17 residents died in the second week of April, the same week Boris Johnson was admitted to hospital, and three or four every week since then.

However, the county council has denied the number saying: “The figure quoted for the number of deaths at the home is not correct,” but when asked by the Chronicle for the figure it refused to provide an answer.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, executive member for adult social care and health said: “The number of deaths attributable to Covid-19 across the county council’s care homes is in line with the independent sector and other areas of the country – that is that generally, nursing homes care for a far greater number of very frail elderly people, and those at end of life, compared to residential care settings, and they will therefore experience a higher number of deaths overall.

“We will not be providing figures for the numbers passing away at individual homes. In our view this causes unnecessary upset for the families and loved ones of those we look after, and is not indicative of the quality of care provided, or the infection control measures in place.

“Indeed, we have been overwhelmed by the messages of support from families, carers and the public for the compassion and professionalism of our staff, and the high standards of care being provided, at this very difficult time.”