AS England's second period of lockdown comes to an end, the operators of a care company which has several homes in the Thurrock area and has confirmed a number of its residents have died because of Covid-related issues, says it will be doing its utmost to ensure its residents can be supported by their families.

Runwood Homes runs The Whitecroft near Orsett and Bennett Lodge and Carolyne House in Chadwell St Mary. Locally there have been reports that a significant number of its residents, particularly at Bennett Lodge where it was claimed the number was in double figures, have died.

The company has declined to give details of the numbers but told Nub News: "We did sadly lose some residents who tested positive for Covid-19, either due to not recovering from covid-19 or due to their deteriorating, existing health condition."

In addition to speculation about the number of deaths across the company's portfolio of homes, Nub News was also contacted by families during recent weeks, saying Runwood has operated a particularly strict policy of isolation which has left some residents and families distressed and unhappy.

In particular The Whitecroft was picked out by a family which said they had been denied any access or contact with an elderly resident and they felt concerned that mental health welfare was being discarded in favour of creating physical health barriers – a policy they roundly condemned.

A spokesperson for Runwood told us those concerns were recognised and added: "In relation to The Whitecroft, any issues raised are appropriately investigated to ensure the best positive outcomes for all involved, in line with our complaints procedure. It remains of utmost importance to provide safe and professional, person-centred care to all our residents at all times."

And the spokesperson went on to confirm that Bennett Lodge had been badly affected by the virus, so much so that for a period it has been closed.

She said: "There was an outbreak of coronavirus at Bennett Lodge, though we have recently had two rounds of negative tests back (for everyone living and working in the home), and so, we are pleased to say that we are Covid-free.

"The home has followed all of the Government guidance throughout the pandemic, and having closed for a 28 day period as required, Bennett Lodge will be reopened to be able to safely welcome new residents."

Bennett Lodge was due to reopen this week.

Going forward Runwood says it recognises that the current pandemic has created particular difficulties for all concerned and says it has been reviewing how it operates.

We were told: "As you can appreciate, care home residents are vulnerable, elderly and frail, with varying health conditions and many join us to receive to end of life care. All families involved, for that resident or home, are openly and honestly communicated with in line with Government guidance.

"We're excited to report that all of our homes, within the next two weeks, will facilitate Covid-safe visiting, so that residents and their families may spend time together again, face to face. Our visiting pods, which meet the current requirements to safely sit inside a care home, are completely bespoke to suit each homes visiting area or room identified following an assessment.

"We thank our passionate and committed teams for their continuous hard work and dedication to care for our residents' health and wellbeing."