Care home with 26 covid deaths under fire over cleaning levels
Inspectors hail staff ... but infection prevention slated
Concerns have been raised about deep cleaning standards at a Paisley care home that was at the centre of a major Covid-19 outbreak.
Elderslie Care Home has only been graded as “adequate” for its care and support during the pandemic following a surprise inspection.
That rating is third worst and below good, very good and excellent.
In a report to the Scottish Government, the Care Inspectorate praised “kind and compassionate” staff who they said were “knowledgeable and informed” about Covid-19 guidelines.
But the watchdog did criticise the Fulbar Road home after concerns about cleanliness, as inspectors insisted housekeeping schedules were not ensuring all areas had received a deep clean.
A total of 26 residents died earlier this year after contracting coronavirus in what was Renfrewshire’s worst care home outbreak.
The home - which is run by Advinia Care Homes
Ltd and houses around 120 people - was graded as “good” by inspectors for how it looked after people’s health and wellbeing, but received lower rankings for infection prevention and control and staffing arrangements.
The report said: “The care provided was kind and compassionate and people’s needs and preferences were well known by the staff.
“People who enjoyed the company of others were encouraged to do so and staff reminded them about safe social distancing.
“People were supported to keep in touch with their families using a range of methods and window and garden visits were taking place.
“Concerns were raised in relation to the cleanliness of the environment and the equipment used by people. The environment was generally clean, however, housekeeping schedules were not ensuring all areas received an effective deep clean and that standards were maintained.
“An environmental plan was needed to ensure all furniture and equipment was fit for purpose.”
The watchdog added the home had good supplies of personal protective equipment.
Inspectors said staffing arrangements were “sufficient” to meet the needs of residents, but recommended the provider reviewed the deployment and number of housekeeping employees to ensure there was enough staff to keep the home infection free.
Advinia Care Homes bosses said they had ensured an action plan was in place to address the concerns raised by the Care Inspectorate and were delighted the report hailed staff for their affection towards residents.
A spokesman said: “The safety and wellbeing of our residents is our highest priority at all times and so we welcome this inspection report.
“Our dedicated colleagues have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic to provide the best care for our residents and we were pleased the Care Inspectorate observed the kind and compassionate care being provided in the home.
“We acknowledge the issues identified in the report concerning housekeeping schedules and we have put in place a robust action plan to ensure our infection control measures continue to be of the very highest standard.”