A Perth care facility’s support service for its residents during a COVID-19 outbreak have been branded ‘weak’ by an inspection watchdog.
Louisebrae Care Home, which accommodates up to 61 people with dementia and care needs, was also marked down for poor infection control practices and for staff organisation not being up to industry standard.
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The Care Inspectorate’s report on the findings followed an unannounced visit by officers to the Tulloch Hill-based facility during an outbreak of COVID-19.
Most residents were isolated in their rooms because of this and inspectors noted that staff were not “as attentive” to their needs during this period.
Inspectors had “significant concerns” about the cleanliness of the care home and said there was “a risk of cross-infection” as a result.
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They also found “a lack of sufficient cleaning” due to a shortage of staff and general waste, clinical waste and PPE disposal was also “not managed to a safe standard” due to a shortage of PPE bins, with some overflowing.
Inspection officers set a Thursday, January 21 deadline for improvements and returned to the service on that date to follow up.
It was noted positive progress was made but that service still had to review and develop its current management practices for infection prevention and control.
Staff were also criticised for not supporting people enough with social distancing and hand hygiene.
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Anticipatory care plans were in place but the plans were labelled “brief and focused on practical arrangements” and should “ensure residents and relatives have the opportunity to discuss, plan and record their palliative and end of life care wishes fully”.
Staff at the care home have been given until February 22 by the Care Inspectorate to make a number of improvements.
The report states: “By February 22, 2021 the service provider must put in place robust management processes to ensure that safe infection prevention and control practices are always followed.
“These must be in accordance with Health Protection Scotland’s COVID-19 Information and Guidance for Care Home Settings.
“By February 22, 2021, the service provider must ensure that all staff are trained, competent and have the right knowledge to carry out their role in relation to infection prevention and control, and COVID-19.
“In order to achieve this the service provider must review and develop the staff training plan for this area, ensure all staff have completed the necessary training, and regularly ensure that staff are consistently following their training in practice.
“By February 22, 2021, the service provider must ensure that at all times suitably qualified and competent persons are working in the care service in such numbers as are appropriate for the health, welfare and safety of people.”
The care home, operated by Mead Medical Services Ltd, declined to offer comment when approached by the PA.
