DIRTY AND FAILING

Watchdog hands out damning verdict on a string of care homes

PAGES 8&9

TWO care homes which have seen multiple coronavirus deaths were found to be dirty and failing in infection control, according to a watchdog.

In recent visits, the Care Inspectorate discovered a number of other facilities were “weak” in their basic cleanliness and the use of PPE months into the pandemic.

One of the worst performers was Burlington Care Home, in Glasgow’s Queenslie, where 13 residents died in one week in April following a Covid-19 outbreak.

Fullarton Care Home, in Irvine, has had 22 deaths. In May, it was found to have poor hygiene and infection control, although it has since improved.

At Burlington, an unannounced inspection on July 5 found it was still unclean, and staff were not social distancing, washing their hands properly or using PPE correctly.

The inspectorate issued a “letter of serious concern”, which detailed action to be taken.

Their report said: “There were serious concerns in relation to the cleanliness of the environment and the equipment used by residents.”

In April, Burlington’s owners, Four Seasons Health Care, said strict protocols on infectious diseases were in place – including social distancing – and staff were “closely monitoring” the health of other residents and workers.

Yesterday the firm said: “We

BY ANNIE BROWN deeply regret Burlington Care Home fell below the standards the Care Inspectorate requires and that we expect. We immediately implemented the changes required and this has since been recognised by the Care Inspectorate.”

The inspectorate’s bimonthly report to the Scottish Parliament, issued under Covid-19 legislation, outlines recent inspections.

Tarriebank House care home, in Arbroath, was found to be “good” or “very good” in evaluations and did not have one case of Covid-19.

Recent improvements had been made at Fullarton but an inspection in May found staff were observed “not to understand, or be following, public health guidance around the control of infection and there was inconsistent practice observed in the use of PPE”.

Inspectors found “the poor standard of cleanliness of the home was not protecting the health, welfare and safety needs of people using the service”.

Last night, a spokesman for Fullarton’s owners, HC-One, apologised for the poor conditions highlighted at the facility in May. She said: “We were exceptionally disappointed in the inspectorate’s findings in May and we apologise to our residents and their loved ones for falling short of the high standards of care they expect and deserve.

“We’re pleased the Care Inspectorate has recognised the improvements we have made, and continue to sustain, during their recent inspection.”

A number of other homes were marked as “weak” or only “adequate” over their care of residents during the Covid-19 pandemic and in other areas.

At Ashwood House – in Callander, Perthshire – inspectors found staff had no training on Covid-19 and the home was unclean.

Scottish Labour’s Monica Lennon said the reports were “worrying” and highlighted some “potentially dangerous” practices in care homes.

She said: “There is a postcode lottery in care. These reports show that all is not well.”

All the care homes the Record highlights were approached for comment.

There is a postcode lottery in care

MONICA LENNON ON CARE HOMES REPORT