THE boss of an East Renfrewshire care home where the deaths of 10 residents have been attributed to Covid-19 has criticised the Scottish Government over a lack of testing.

No staff or residents at the Westacres home in Newton Mearns, run by charity Newark Care, have been tested, despite repeated requests to the government.

Newark Care chief executive Jack Ryan has now written to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to outline his concerns after she announced on Wednesday that all symptomatic staff and residents in care homes would be tested.

READ MORE: Four deaths at East Renfrewshire care home from suspected Covid-19 virus

The Barrhead News first reported on four deaths last week, with four more over the weekend. Another life was lost on Wednesday and the 10th after the letter to the First Minister had been released.

Mr Ryan said they were only sent a link to arrange staff tests on Thursday evening.

He wrote: "You stated that it is standard practice for testing of early cases to be carried out within care homes.

"You need to be aware that, despite having now lost nine residents whose deaths have been reported as coronavirus-related, there has been no testing at any point.

"All occurrences were reported to public health, East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership and the Care Inspectorate.

READ MORE: East Renfrewshire care home owner warns the sector is facing a 'tsunami wave' of coronavirus cases

"We have asked repeatedly for testing, from the first instance and for every case which developed in the days that followed."

Eastwood MSP Jackson Carlaw, who is leader of the Scottish Conservatives, has also expressed his concern over a lack of testing for those in care homes.

He said: "Perhaps if staff and residents could have been tested at an earlier stage, some of these deaths could have been avoided.

"These are the types of concerns that should be shooting right to the top of Nicola Sturgeon's priority list.

READ MORE: Four more deaths at East Renfrewshire care home from suspected coronavirus

"Care home workers are very much on the frontline and deserve the very best access to protection and testing."

Earlier this week, National Records of Scotland figures indicated nearly a quarter of all deaths linked to Covid-19 in Scotland were in care homes.