Politicians reactto Acorn Park concerns
In light of court proceedings against Acorn Park, East Kilbride MSP Linda Fabiani has insisted on rigid care inspections to ensure the needs of the elderly and most vulnerable are met.
“The council has informed me that all residents will be looked after and that they are meeting with residents,” she said.
“It is absolutely essential that every care is taken with those who rely on care homes and rigid inspection by the Care Inspectorate is essential.
“I try to visit all of the care homes in East Kilbride every so often. I’m generally made very welcome and am always impressed by the commitment and care of the staff.
“Unfortunately, despite requests, I was never invited to visit Acorn Park.”
Central Scotland Tory MSP Graham Simpson called on the Scottish Government to work more closely with the care home sector.
He said: “I am extremely concerned that Acorn Park care home could close due to the serious concerns about the quality of care experienced by residents. Figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives last year revealed one in four facilities were rated unsatisfactory, weak or adequate by the Care Inspectorate as of March 2017.
“Scottish Conservatives have urged the SNP Government to work more closely with the care home sector and local authorities to ensure improvements were made.
“Scotland has a welldocumented ageing population and, as time goes on, these care homes are only going to become busier and more important.”
Monica Lennon, Labour MSP for Central Scotland, added: “This is a worrying intervention by the care watchdog that has caused concern and alarm for residents and their families.
“People will rightly want to know what’s been going on at Acorn Park care home. Older people have been failed and this is unacceptable.”