An Ayrshire nursing home has been heavily criticised by the industry watchdog for its hygiene standards during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Glenfairn House Nursing Home, in Racecourse Road, Ayr, was rated ‘weak’ in two key areas and ‘adequate’ in two others.
In 2020, the care home was praised during an unannounced inspection — just months after a number of residents died following a tragic flu outbreak.
The home received a ‘very good’ rating from the Care Inspectorate when assessors made an unannounced visit back in January last year.
However, this latest inspection painted a different picture.
In its report, the Care Inspectorate raised “significant concerns” about the use and availability of PPE, “the management of laundry” and the “standards of cleanliness” throughout the home, including care equipment.
Those concerns prompted a ‘Letter of Serious Concern’ detailing where “immediate improvements” were required.
At the time of this month’s inspection, there were 57 people being supported in the home.
Other concerns that were highlighted said staff “failed to change PPE” between tasks, hand hygiene was “not performed on removal of PPE”, there were “limited clinical waste bins” available to dispose of PPE and there was “only one PPE station on each corridor.”
The inspectors also said the cleanliness of equipment and furnishings was “poor,”; mattresses and lounge chairs were found to be “heavily contaminated” and although the correct cleaning products were available, they “were not being used.”
In addition, there was “no evidence” that frequently-touched areas were being cleaned.
The report does state that “progress had been made” in a follow-up inspection this month and that clean laundry was now being stored “more appropriately,”; additional PPE stations and clinical waste bins had been put in place and the general environment was "cleaner."
In addition, Inspectors spoke with some residents who said they were "happy with their care" while feedback from relatives of residents "was positive," they felt "well informed" and had been kept "up to date."
Other feedback highlighted staff for the job they do with one comment saying they were "really pleasant and helpful."
The report also states: “At our return visit, we found staff had access to the most up-to-date COVID-19 guidance for care homes.
“Staff testing for COVID-19 was well organised. Staff’s participation with testing was good.”
The home was rated ‘adequate” in terms of staffing arrangements being “responsive” to the needs of people requiring care and “supporting and safeguarding” residents’ wellbeing.
However, a ‘weak’ evaluation was attached to the home’s ability to the care and support of its residents during the pandemic and in their infection control practices.
Among the improvements the Care Inspectorate has ordered, the home must also ensure that residents experience care in an environment that is “safe, well maintained and minimises the risk of infection.”
The care home is operated by Sanctuary Care Limited.
Sheila O’Connor, director of operations at Sanctuary Care, said: “We immediately addressed the points raised following the inspection and will continue to ensure the required amount of PPE is available for staff to use.
"Given the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, it is pleasing to read that residents are happy with the care they receive and see comments in the report praising our staff.
"We can reassure the families of our residents that we remain focussed on providing their loved ones with the care they deserve – care that is based on their individual needs, with their wellbeing and happiness at the centre of everything we do.”
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
