Nursing home criticised by inspectorate

INSPECTORS have delivered a highly critical report on an Angus nursing home, branding the quality of care and management “weak”.

Concerns about the dignity and privacy of residents emerged from the inspection of Balhousie Care’s Antiquary House on the Westway in Arbroath, as well as a range of criticisms over issues including medical protocols after a large amount of controlled drugs were found which should have been returned to a pharmacy.

The quality of environment and staffing at the home was graded only as adequate following the visit in June.

Balhousie Care, which operates more than 20 homes across the country — looking after 900 residents and employing more than 1,200 staff — said a “robust action plan” had been put in place to address the Care Inspectorate’s concerns.

The report said the care and support grading of “weak” had been given after inspectors looked at care records and observed interaction between staff and residents.

A spokesman for Balhousie Care said: “We accept that there were aspects of care provided that were not at the standard we would expect within our homes.

“Since the inspection, we have provided additional management support within the home and implemented a robust action plan that delivers upon requirements and recommendations made to us.”