Many shortcomings of housing in Eskilstuna during the corona eruption: "It was like a horror movie"

It was at the beginning of April that the infection entered the house. The corona virus spread rapidly and by the end of May, 25 of 65 residents had died. It is not ensured that everyone died in covid-19, but the same period the year before died six people.

For staff at the accommodation, spring has been tough. Many were themselves infected and had to take inexperienced temporary workers to cover up. Some substitutes turned in the door when they realized they were going to care for people with coronas.

- It was like a horror movie, it was horrible. Sometimes I could go home and dream nightmares. I did not feel well, says Asia Ahmed, who is one of two security agents at the accommodation.

Were you scared of getting infected yourself?

- Yes, in the beginning I was. But then I thought: If I get scared then the substitutes will be too. So I was strong.

What made the situation so serious? An internal investigation shows that there were several factors that worked together. The rooms were old and worn, the rooms small and the older shared toilet. Hygiene practices were broken and the protective equipment was sometimes used incorrectly.

Two nurses who came to test accommodation testify in the investigation of an incident where staff did not use protective equipment in close contact with residents with suspected infection. They also noted another case where staff on mouthguards only took care of it after the nurses pointed it out.

Ordinary staff were ill, and inexperienced substitutes were taken in. The investigation also testifies to management problems, where, among other things, lack of routines were not followed up and risk assessments were not made. But it is also clear that the management has made an effort to inform and staff.

Johan Lindström, Head of Health and Care in Eskilstuna, says that measures were taken, but that at the same time more could have been done.

- We strengthened up with personnel, guidelines and protective equipment.

- If you look in the rearview mirror, you might think that we could have done even more and identified the workplaces that would be a bigger challenge, he says.

The investigation reveals that there have been problems in the housing for the elderly for a long time. Several lex Sarah notifications have been investigated or investigated, among other things linked to how residents have been treated.

One of the reports describes systematic deficiencies in attendance over several years, among other things, an accommodation must have been struck on the fingers of staff. In connection with this notification, an employee was relocated.  

The old and worn-out premises have long been on the agenda, but decisions by the board have been delayed.

- There has long been a plan to replace Djurgården as it is the oldest accommodation in the municipality, but there have been some delays. However, I think no one could imagine that it would have these effects, says Johan Lindström.

The investigation also points to management problems, which have now led to two managers being replaced. A couple of weeks ago, the municipality also announced that the housing will be closed down.

- I think many people have the image that it has been a very serious situation. And offering people to move in doesn't feel right, says Johan Lindström.

Asia Ahmed has been working at Djurgården's retirement home since 1996 and will remain during the summer, but then it is time for a new take somewhere else. But she is afraid of being stamped in the future because of the spring that has been.

- I want people to know that we have done a very good job on the floor and that we have struggled. I hope you will not see us as the problem.

SVT News Sörmland has sought the manager who was suspended while the investigation was being done and has now been relocated to another managerial service in the elderly. However, she has declined to participate.