Urgent action taken after staff and residents ‘at risk’

Emergency action had to be taken at a coronavirus-hit Dundee care home after an inspection found residents and staff were put at “unacceptable risk”.

Forebank Care Home reported an outbreak early in the pandemic and a recent visit by the Care Inspectorate found weaknesses in infection control, social distancing and staff training.

The risks found on August 4 were so severe inspectors sent a “serious concern” letter to operators Brookesbay Care Group ordering problems to be addressed within 48 hours.

There were at least seven deaths at the Hilltown home between March and April but care home bosses have not confirmed how many were coronavirus related.

The Care Inspectorate said at the time at least two were “suspected cases of Covid-19”.

A report published following the inspection, and a follow-up two days later, said most concerns have been addressed but further staff training was required.

It said: “Cleaning was taking place at least twice daily with frequently touched areas such as tables, handrails and so on wiped down by domestic and care staff frequently throughout the day.

“However, in one shower room we found various pieces of equipment that needed a deep clean and equipment that needed replaced as it was rusty.

“We were concerned that the staff had not taken steps to ensure social distancing both in the lounge and dining areas.

“We issued a serious concerns letter setting out improvements the provider and manager had to make in relation to the maintenance of social distancing and cleaning or replacing equipment, giving them 48 hours to address this.”

Although the report noted PPE was available, it added full coronavirus training had not been completed by carers.

“We spoke to staff during our visit and were concerned when some told us that they had not completed training in infection control, Covid-19 and hand hygiene,” it said.

“This was confirmed by the manager and by training records provided to us. As staff had not accessed this training, we felt this had a direct impact upon their practice, as observed during the inspection, and their ability to describe how they were supported to keep themselves and people who use the service safe.

“We felt this presented an unacceptable risk to residents and staff and we issued a serious concerns letter to the provider and manager, giving them 48 hours to address this.”

Positive aspects of care at the home were noted, including efforts to make sure residents kept in contact with friends and family during lockdown and activities to keep them entertained.

Brookesbay director Debbie Douglas said she did not want to comment on coronavirus cases but confirmed anyone admitted to the home from hospital had tested negative for the virus before arriving.

She added: “We work closely with Dundee City Council and the Care Inspectorate and requirements were met within 48 hours.”

We felt this presented an unacceptable risk to residents and staff and we issued a serious concerns letter.

CARE INSPECTORATE REPORT