Care home told to clean up its act by worried inspectors
A care home has been told to improve its cleanliness and hygiene standards.
Improvements must be in place by the start of next month at Heathfield House care home in Ayr.
According to the Care Inspectorate, they were “concerned”about the availability and safe disposal of PPE on the upper floor of the care home.
The scrutiny body also said there were“moments missed”by the staff for good hand hygiene practices despite available handwashing/ hand sanitising facilities.
And the organisation found that systems and processes to ensure the care environment and equipment in use was cleaned, in line with national guidance, was “not always being used effectively.”
In their 18-page report, the Care Inspectorate said:“By August 2, 2021, the provider must ensure that the cleanliness and hygiene standards throughout the home are improved and maintained.”
Another criticism was levelled at the care home’s mealtimes, which the Care Inspectorate said was “rushed and disorganised.”
The report said:“Mealtimes should be well managed and organised to help people enjoy their food in a calm and unhurried atmosphere. Staff appeared pressured during mealtimes.
“There were a significant number of residents requiring assistance with eating/drinking and their communication support needs.
“The meal service was rushed and disorganised.”
Inspectors made an unannounced inspection to the home, in Forbes Drive, late last month. There were 80 residents at the time of the inspection.
Their report ultimately rated Heathfield House care home as ‘adequate’across six quality indicators.
The organisation also want PPE within the home that“fully complies”with current guidance; regular management audits of environmental and cleanliness standards“are completed”and a review and“improvement”of the mealtime co-ordination.
Another concern related to ‘covert medication’which are medications given to patients without their knowledge, disguised in food or drink.
Some records relating to covert medication were“out of date”and some“key details”had not been regularly reviewed, according to inspectors.
The report stated:“This meant people could not be assured that staff had the correct information that reflected their current needs and wishes.”
As a result, the Care Inspectorate wants an“effective”medicines management system put in place.
The report also revealed how inspectors spoke with 10 residents on the ground floor who told them they were“well looked after”and had“no concerns”and relatives that were spoken to were“very positive”about the service.
On the upper floor the report continues:“Some engaged well with staff but others appeared to have a negative mealtime experience. This was discussed with the management team during inspection.”
Heathfield House did not respond to a request to comment when contacted by the Post this week.