Concern over how some homes are responding

The Care Inspectorate has revealed serious concerns over how some homes are responding to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Under coronavirus legislation, the organisation is required to submit reports every two weeks to the Scottish Parliament outlining the findings of any checks carried out during that period.

Its first report covers the period from May 27 to June 5.

A serious concerns letter was issued to Newcarron Court Care Home in Falkirk, with six requirements the service must meet.

The Care Inspectorate expressed “significant concerns about the cleanliness of environment internally and externally, infection prevention and control practices, access to and management of PPE, and management of contaminated waste”.

But it also observed “kind and compassionate interactions between staff and people who live” at the home.

The Care Inspectorate also visited Almond View Care Home in Glasgow, which had previously been issued a serious concerns letter.

It found the home “working very differently” with “changes in practice” and significantly reduced risks.

Spynie care home in Elgin, Moray, which has an improvement notice in place, is now “operating to a good standard”, the report found.

“Significant concerns” relating to supply and use of PPE, infection prevention and control practices, and staff knowledge was raised at Drummond Grange in Midlothian.

But a follow-up inspection found improvements and that requirements made in a serious concerns letter were met.

The Care Inspectorate also visited Home Farm Care Home in Portree, Skye, where 10 residents have died with Covid-19.

The Inspectorate is engaged in legal action against the home’s operator, HC-ONE, that could see the cancellation of the service’s registration.

The inspection report will be published on conclusion of the court proceedings.