Takeover at crisis care home

The new owner of a Bargeddie care home claimed residents are being “very well looked after with the utmost care and attention”in the wake of a damning inspection report.

The Care Inspectorate banned Drumpellier Lodge from admitting new residents after issuing the Coatbridge Road facility with an “unsatisfactory” grade 1 rating across all four quality indicators of care and support, environment, staffing and management and leadership.

The home was given a list of requirements to put in place, including improving staff training and the range of meaningful activities offered to residents.

Coatbridge businessman Mandir Singh took the reins at the struggling facility in March and has vowed to turn its fortunes around, working closely with the council to drive up standards and safeguard the jobs of its 40 employees.

Mr Singh, 40, who has been a local business operator for the last five years, told the Advertiser: “When we took control of the home it was really struggling.

“I had a few friends who had parents who stayed in the home and heard it could be closing.

“So I stepped in and contacted the previous owners to do what I could to help secure the home’s future.

“We have historically been graded 1 and we are not allowed to take any new residents in.

“I’m local and trying to rebuild the home’s reputation. We are 90 per cent of the way there. It has been a bit of an uphill struggle but we are getting there.

“There is a very good team of staff in place and the morale they have shown has been amazing.

“It’s difficult but not insurmountable and I am very optimistic for the future.

“We are keeping all the staff, who have all been given new contracts. Forty were going to lose their jobs.

“We’re also a growing business and there will be opportunities for more jobs being created in the future.”

The Care Inspectorate are due back at Drumpellier Lodge this week and Mr Singh is optimistic that they will see some obvious signs of progress.

He said:“We are looking to get the grading improved when the inspectors return and are working very closely with the authorities to have the embargo lifted.

“I’d like to reassure the families of patients at Drumpellier Lodge that their loved ones are being very well looked after with the utmost care and attention by our dedicated staff.

“We see immense potential in the care home and the area and are looking ahead to a much brighter future.”

North Lanarkshire Council said there was evidence of“significant improvement”at the care home.

Bobby Miller, head of adult social work services, added: “Following the next inspection by the Care Inspectorate, we will review our current embargo on new people being recommended through the council being placed in the care home.”