Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
MSP drops in for care home day
Fulton MacGregor paid a visit to Carnbroe care home in his constituency to mark the fourth annual “national care home day”.
The Coatbridge & Chryston MSP learned about the improvements taking place at the facilty, which had received a critical report earlier in the year and was ordered to make “significant improvements” ahead of a followup inspection later this month.
He heard that there has since been a change of management and various improvements, and that the Care Inspectorate is due to complete a follow-up report later this month.
Mr MacGregor attended themed parties organised by staff and residents in the home’s three units, and said: “I thoroughly enjoyed meeting them and was very impressed with the attitude of the management towards improving the facility.
“There were renovations underway to many areas and it was clear from the conversations I had that the home I visited has gone through a major transformation from the one outlined in the care inspectors’ report.
“I congratulate the new team in achieving so much in such a short space of time, and am sure that the follow-up inspection will result in a more positive report.”
New manager Janice McEwan thanked the MSP for attending and said: “All staff have worked extremely hard over the past few months to improve on the standards provided for residents, who are the centre of our focus.
“We have developed a skilled workforce through leadership and training, which is reflected in the care they receive. Our aim is to continue improving on standards, making Carnbroe one of the best facilities for care in Lanarkshire.”
Pictured with Mr MacGregor are, from left, Carnbroe care home manager Janice McEwan, deputy manager Liz Rodger and head of social interaction Jean Duffin.
Meanwhile, fellow parliamentarian Neil Gray marked the recent carers’ week by visiting the Princess Royal Trust’s facility in his Airdrie & Shotts constituency.
He dropped in to their Lanarkshire carers’ centre on Hall craig Street – where support is available for 3000 carers from across the county – to find out about the challenges they face and how these could be addressed.
Staff at the centre provide carers with assistance on issues ranging from respite facilities to social security, as well as running social groups which provide one-to-one advice.
The Airdrie & Shotts MP said: “Carers are the unsung heroes in our society.
“Many have given up jobs in order to provide support and care for their loved ones and they need to be recognised for the job they do – to say that because it’s a relative, they are just a carer, is an insult to these incredible people.
“The Scottish Government’s commitment to increasing carers’ allowance is a huge step in the right direction, as is the guarantee to short break availability.”
Mr Gray is pictured with Shirley Scott and Colin Smith at the centre.