A Rutherglen care home that recorded a high number of Covid-19 related deaths among similar facilities in Scotland has failed to make “progress” in a number of areas after concerns were raised by the Care Inspectorate.
Rutherglen Care Home, operated by Advinia Care Homes Limited, received an unannounced visit by the Care Inspectorate on May 24 and 25 and again on May 31.
Last month we reported how the Care Inspectorate’s report to the Scottish Parliament raised some “serious concerns” over several issues at the facility. The report stated: “We identified serious concerns relating to the cleanliness of the environment, furnishings and equipment, including access to sufficient PPE.
“Not all staff demonstrated an understanding or knowledge of infection prevention and control measures, including the correct use of PPE or the safe disposal of domestic and clinical waste.”
A letter of serious concern was issued.
And now, an “improvement notice” has been served. The latest report to the Scottish Parliament, showed a further visit by the CI on June 25, to follow-up on the required improvements by the home.
The report stated: “There was a lack of required progress in addressing the key areas identified for improvement including meaningful activity, staffing levels, effective management and leadership, and monitoring of people’s wellbeing including falls prevention.
“We issued an improvement notice to the service on June 30.”
The CI informed South Lanarkshire health and social care partnership of its findings, which previously told Lanarkshire Live it was “concerned about the Care Inspectorate’s findings and are working with the CI and Advinia to support the provider’s work to improve standards in their Rutherglen-based nursing home".
The Care Inspectorate will undertake a further visit to monitor progress.
Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey, who wrote to the care home last month to seek urgent reassurances, admitted she was "angry" at the home's lack of progress.
Ms Haughey said: “Three weeks ago, I wrote to Advinia about the very serious concerns about their care home in Rutherglen. As part of this, I requested that they update me on their progress, or lack thereof, in resolving outstanding issues – which they have duly done – and, frankly, I’m angry sufficient improvements are yet to be made.
“Advinia’s management owe it to their residents and their families to get a grip of this situation immediately.
“I have requested to meet with Advinia as they cannot keep dragging their heels.”
In April, we reported that 64 people had died in local care homes in the previous year after testing positive for Covid-19.
Nearly half of these deaths occurred at Rutherglen Care Home on Rodger Drive, where 29 residents died – the second-highest total recorded in any care home in Scotland.
An Advinia spokesperson said: "The safety and wellbeing of our residents continues to remain our highest priority at all times.
"Our dedicated colleagues have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to provide the best care for our residents, in incredibly challenging circumstances.
"As a provider of high-quality, truly personalised care, we have already taken multiple actions to ensure that we are compliant with the Care Inspectorate when they reassess the home in the coming weeks.
"The team have conducted a full review of our quality assurance processes, our risk assessment systems and our comprehensive infection control protocols. We have also undertaken a full audit of all residents’ personalised care plans.
"We are now continuing to work closely with the Care Inspectorate, and South Lanarkshire Health & Social Care Partnership, as we implement our detailed action plan to make sustained further improvements at the home in the interests of all residents."
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