The Care Quality Commission has for the first time, today (July 21) published figures of care home deaths from coronavirus over the year to March 2021.

The report shows the biggest number of deaths from the first wave of Covid was in the North West, while during the second wave, more deaths were recorded at homes in the South East.

Locally the numbers - which are not for all homes in Frome - were low, although the CQC was careful to remind everyone that every single death from coronavirus of someone in care home was a tragedy.

In the case of Frome , the three major care homes, Rowden House, Gracewell of Frome and Critchill Court showed a very low number of deaths from data reported for the year from April 2020.

Deaths recorded from coronavirus were all in single figures, even at Gracewell which, under CQC listings is a 'large' home.

In Rowden House there were just two recorded deaths, Gracewell recorded four deaths in the CQC data bank and Critchill Court put on record that five of its residents died of coronavirus between April 2020 and March 2021.

The CQC reported did not cover small homes (those with fewer than ten beds) and only included deaths recorded by those care and residential homes which were registered with them.

They added that their data : " Covers deaths of residents involving COVID-19 under the care of the provider as notified to us, regardless of where the death occurred, including in the care home, in a hospital, in an ambulance or any other setting. "

The CQC urged people to remember that In considering the numbers: " It is important to remember that every number represents a life lost, and families and friends who are having to face the sadness and consequences of their death. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the dedication of those who worked to save and comfort lives."

You can read the full data report by clicking HERE :