Care homes ‘weak’ on Covid controls
Reports revealed on unannounced visits
Two more West Lothian care homes have been rated weak for infection control during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Care Inspectorate issued their latest reports recently on nursing homes and two West Lothian homes, Meadowvale in Bathgate and Livingston Care Home, were among those paid a visit.
Both were scored adequate for looking after patients’ health and wellbeing and with staffing arrangements but rated as weak for infection control practices.
Meadowvale Care Home is registered to provide care for up to 52 older people and the service is operated by Meadowvale Care (Bathgate) Limited.
The repor t said of Meadowvale: “We carried out an unannounced inspection on November 23 with NHS Lothian.
“Personal plans were outcome focused and reflected people’s needs and wishes,including anticipatory care plans. Staff needed to be more proactive in providing families with updates about their relatives and ensuring that regular contact was maintained with them.
“We found there were close working relationships with health professionals.
“The home was clean and an enhanced cleaning schedule was in place. However, staff changing areas were cluttered and contained many nonessential items. There was sufficient PPE available.
“However, in some areas PPE was stored inappropriately on handrails. This increased the risk of contamination and possible spread of infection. Managers resolved this during the inspection.
“Although staff were trained in infection prevention and control, we found that Standard Infection Control Precautions ( SICPs) were not always followed. Some staff were wearing jewellery and watches.
“There was incorrect application of guidance about face visors. A more robust quality assurance system was needed to monitor practice including hand hygiene.
“There were some issues with staffing levels, although this had improved with the use of agency staff. More oversight was needed to ensure that each shift had an appropriate mix of experienced and temporary staff.”
Livingston Care Home is registered to provide care to 58 older people. The provider is Livingston Care Home Ltd.
The report said: “We carried out an unannounced inspection of the care home with NHS Lothian on December 1.
“People were supported by the staff to maintain contact with family and relatives, using mobile phones and other devices. Visits took place in line with the current guidance. Families were informed and involved in their relatives’ care.
“People were sometimes cared for by agency staff who were not always familiar with their choices and preferences.
“People’s personal plans could help to make sure all staff know how to support people well but these were not up-todate.
“Staffing arrangements were sufficient. The staff maintained social distancing where possible. People’s opportunity to socialise and be active were limited.
“Cleaning schedules and guidance were in place. Some areas of the home and some equipment was not cleaned effectively to reduce crosscontamination.
“PPE was available, however the placement of this was not always appropriate.
“Some staff were not following current guidance on PPE use.
“Disposal of waste did not always follow infection prevention and control guidance.
“The laundry area was cluttered and disorganised.”
The Care Inspectorate report says they have informed the West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership of their findings and will be carrying out a further visit to ensure improvements have been made.
The owners of the homes have been approached for comment.