Care home told it must improve by inspectors
Inspectors served an improvement notice on bosses of a care home in Perthshire where 19 people tested positive for COVID-19.
Last year the Care Inspectorate warned managers at Glenhelenbank Residential Home in Luncarty that lax arrangements around the storage and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) was putting its residents at greater risk of catching the killer virus.
The body said it was also concerned to see “a lack of hand hygiene” while residents were snacking when its staff last paid an unannounced visit to the privately-owned Main Road home back in July.
And inspectors served an improvement notice on managers after reviewing their staff’s performance a second time in mid-December and noting some workers were not wearing PPE “at all” when they were observed carrying out their duties.
Their report, published last week, said: “This was a focused inspection to evaluate how well people were being supported during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“At the time of the inspection there were 12 people living at Glenhelenbank.
“Ten residents and nine members of staff had tested positive for COVID-19.”
The report went on: “We identified serious concerns with infection prevention and control measures in place.
“Whilst there was sufficient PPE available and staff wore appropriate PPE most of the time, we noticed some occasions where staff were not wearing PPE at all or touched objects and surfaces without removing or changing their PPE.
“This was not safe practice and increased the risks of transmission. We discussed with the manager the immediate requirement for further training in relation to infection, protection and control.”
Elsewhere in their report inspectors noted they also had “significant concerns” around the management and storage of medication.
The report said: “We found an open pack of pain medication sitting on a coffee table in the lounge and keys to the drug trolley were kept in the door, thus placing people at risk of harm from taking a range of medication not prescribed for them.
“We asked management to take immediate action and ensure that all medication practices were in line with best practice.”
The report added: “We continue to have concerns about practice in terms of management and leadership, infection protection and control, the management of Covid-19 and the services ability to assess and limit risks.
“We have therefore served an improvement notice on the provider who must make sustainable improvements within the identified timescales.”
Reacting to the latest findings, new manager Louise Seaward told the PA her staff had already made improvements she claimed exceeded the Care Inspectorate’s expectations.
She said: “Since our inspection on December 10, we have had two follow-up visits from the Care Inspectorate, both very positive.
“Our last visit just last Wednesday resulted in the lifting of our improvement notice.
“We like many other homes have lost loved residents to COVID-19. It’s been a sad time.
“We have kept all of our residents and their families informed of all outcomes of our inspections and visits and have maintained their full support.”