Concern at length of time to fix issues
Work to improve the bathing and toilet facilities at an Ayrshire care home has been completed - 16 months after concerns were first raised about them.
Staff from the Care Inspectorate visited Shawburn Care Home Service, on Prestwick’s Monkton Road, last month during an unannounced follow-up inspection.
During a previous inspection in October 2022, the organisation made one requirement; namely the need for the provider to improve toilet and bathing facilities in the home.
An extract from the Care Inspectorate report said: “During the previous inspection on October 2022, we made one requirement. This was about the need for the provider to improve toilet and bathing facilities in the home. The timescale for completion was January 27, 2023.
“During an inspection on January 31, 2023, we noted the work had not been progressed to improve the toilet and bathing facilities.
“We extended the requirement to June 1, 2023.
“During an inspection on June 7, 2023 we noted that there continued to be minimal progress to improve the toilet and bathing facilities. This continued to negatively impact on the choices that people had and ensuring that everyone’s dignity was maintained during personal care.
“We expressed concern to the provider that this work was still outstanding. The provider assured the Care Inspectorate that the work would be going ahead to improve these facilities. We extended the requirement to September 17, 2023.”
The report goes on: “During an inspection on January 9, 2024, we noted that some work had been done to improve bathing facilities and that contractors were due to commence the remaining work on January 22, 2024. We expressed concern to the provider about the length of time it had taken to meet this requirement. We were given assurances that the work would commence and be completed in two weeks.”
And in the wake of their most recent visit, the Care Inspectorate has confirmed that work “had been done” to address their concerns- albeit it nearly 16 months after they first flagged them up.
The report states: “During an inspection on February 8, 2024, we saw significant improvement to bathing and toilet facilities, promoting people’s choices and ensuring everyone’s dignity is maintained during personal care.”
Shawburn is registered to provide a care service for a maximum of nine adults with learning disabilities. The provider is Hansel Alliance.
In the wake of their latest spot check the care home’s setting has been upgraded from ‘adequate’ to ‘good.’
One other improvement is in relation to the care home’s garden area which had been improved to make it a “more inviting and safe space” for people living in the home.
The Care Inspectorate said: “We were able to see that work had been done to improve the garden area of the home, making it a more enjoyable space to use. It is important that people have access to the outdoors as it helps boost their wellbeing.”