Inspectors strip care home of its licence
Report had concerns over infection prevention
A Callander care home has been stripped of its registration after inspectors had “signifcant concerns” over residents’ safety and wellbeing.
While there had been no cases of Covid at Ashwood House, inspectors said they weren’t confident residents would be properly looked after if there was an outbreak due to the levels of staffing and lack of training.
The home, which currently has 18 residents, was deemed “weak” across the board following an inspection last month. Requirements set out by inspectors last year were also still unmet.
Owners Mauricare have 14 days to appeal the decision, which could lead to the home closing or another operator taking over.
In their follow up report the inspectors said: “On the first day we identified serious concerns with the infection prevention and control measures in place.
“Some areas in the home were not clean, including the shared bathroom facilities. Some other equipment in bedrooms such as mattresses, chair cushions, slings and bedding were unhygienic and some required replacement.
“The cleaning schedules lacked appropriate detail and frequency of how tasks were being undertaken. The shared facilities would not offer a comfortable or dignified experience for people using them.”
Most of the time staff wore appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) - but sometimes masks were worn below the nose and some staff were seen touching
objects and surfaces without removing or changing their PPE.
People living in the home were not sitting at the required social distance and staff said they had not had Covid-19 specific training in infection prevention and control.
“Whilst there has not been an outbreak of Covid-19 in the home,” said the inspectors, “we could not have confidence that staff would have the skills and knowledge to ensure safety of residents should an outbreak occur.
“We issued the service with a serious concerns letter detailing four key areas that we required to see urgent improvements by noon on July 10. When we returned on this date, some of the concerning areas had been met, however we still required further work to be undertaken regarding training and enhanced cleaning.”
The inspectors did acknowledge that staff were seen to support people “with compassion and kindness” and spoke about them warmly about them.
But their report added: “Social and leisure opportunities had reduced for residents during the Covid-19 pandemic due to lockdown restrictions. Staffing levels had not been reviewed to ensure that individuals who stayed in their rooms could be supported appropriately. Call bells at times were going unanswered for longer than they should.
“Staffing levels meant some people had to wait for help to eat their meal, meaning some were at risk of not having their needs met.
“Most people were asleep. We did not see anyone being encouraged with any form of movement or physical activity, for example, walks outside. Some people were sitting at dining room tables long after their meal had finished who were sleeping whilst awaiting assistance to mobilise to another area of the home.
Green Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell said: “It will be deeply distressing for all residents and their families that Ashwood House has had its registration revoked in the middle of a public health crisis, but I welcome the intervention by the Care Inspectorate, who would not have taken such drastic action unless the situation merited it.
“The priority now must be to move residents to safe and appropriate accommodation urgently, ensuring they receive the care and dignity they deserve. I’ve contacted Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership to understand exactly how these vulnerable residents will be supported.”
And Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Dean Lockhart added: “The Care Inspectorate do not make decisions like this without extremely careful consideration. The priority must be to ensure that all the supported needed is in place that will comprehensively address the needs of the residents, their families and the staff.”
A Care Inspectorate spokesperson said: “On our latest visit on July 30 we found minimal progress on areas that must improve. Our first priority is always the health, safety and wellbeing of residents and because of our continued concerns we decided to cancel the service’s registration. We understand this is a difficult and distressing time for residents, their loved ones and staff at the home. We are working closely with partners including the local health and social care partnership to ensure residents experience appropriate care.”
Mauricare say they are committed to making improvements and residents’ welfare continues to be a priority.