There should be an inquiry into how a Glengormley care home has been managed throughout the pandemic, Alliance Councillor Julian McGrath has said.

Glenabbey Care Home has suffered 14 COVID-19-related deaths since April. The Glengormley Councillor said allegations in today’s media a small gathering or party allegedly took place in the home on March 25 – three days after the lockdown took effect and 12 days after the home imposed its own lockdown to prevent visitors to the facility – were concerning.

It is believed complaints have now been investigated by RQIA and passed to the PSNI, who deemed no prosecutions necessary. There is no accusation the party led to COVID-related deaths, either directly or indirectly, but Alderman McGrath said it called into question the overall leadership of the home, how well staff were briefed on the seriousness of the situation and what measures were in place to ensure adherence to the rules.

“I have been contacted by a number of relatives of residents at the home, who are deeply concerned about how things have been managed in the home since March,” he said.

“If your loved one is in a care home you just want them to be safe. Similarly, if your loved one is going to work on the frontline in a care home, you want them to be protected from the virus.

“Fourteen deaths in any care home should spark an inquiry into what measures were put in place to protect both residents and staff from the virus. This needs to happen. I will be writing to Runwood Homes seeking answers to a range of issues brought by constituents, including how well staff were briefed on the seriousness of the situation and what measures were put in place to ensure adherence to the rules.

“My Alliance colleagues and I will be pursuing this matter to ensure the truth comes out and any issues are addressed immediately by the Department of Health.”