Care home watchdog finds 'serious concerns' at nursing centre in Liberton

The Care Inspectorate has raised 'serious concerns' about the handling of coronavirus at a city care home.
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In a report submitted to the Scottish Government on Wednesday, the inspectorate highlighted issues of infection prevention and control at Braid Hills Care Home.

Further issues concerning the use of PPE, cleanliness and staff knowledge were also highlighted.

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Braid Hills Care Home is owned and operated by BUPA Care Homes and is registered to provide care to 95 older people and 24 adults with a physical disability.

An initial inspection of the care facility by the inspectorate and NHS Lothian on September 29 reported serious concerns.

Improvements surrounding the standards of cleanliness, waste management, the use of PPE, staff practice and knowledge were all recommended.

Follow up inspections on November 12 and December 29 both determined that recommendations had not been implemented and issues persisted.

In a report submitted to the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, the inspectorate highlighted issues of infection prevention and control at Braid Hills nursing centre.In a report submitted to the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, the inspectorate highlighted issues of infection prevention and control at Braid Hills nursing centre.
In a report submitted to the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, the inspectorate highlighted issues of infection prevention and control at Braid Hills nursing centre.
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The report stated: “Improvements were not sufficient in respect of the standard of cleanliness, waste management, the use of PPE, staff practice and knowledge.

“Overall, the management oversight and quality assurance systems were ineffective. We issued a letter of serious concern to the provider on December 29 which detailed immediate action the home must take.”

Inspectors returned to the service on January 2 and found progress to address these issues was not sufficient.

The report stated: “Although the service had made plans to address our concerns, progress was not sufficient to reassure us that people were being supported safely during the pandemic.”

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An improvement notice was issued to the service January 4 2021.

Local MSP Miles Briggs said: “It is extremely concerning that care homes in Edinburgh are still not following PPE guidance correctly and best practice is not being followed on infection prevention.

“Edinburgh Integration Joint Board must take immediate action to ensure that staff at care homes are fully compliant with PPE and infection control guidance, to minimise risk for care home residents.”

Sandra Hustwick, Regional Director for Braid Hills Care Home, said: “We’re working closely with the Care Inspectorate, with daily calls and progress updates.

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"Since the last report we have made significant improvements, such as further increasing deep cleans across the home, and providing additional training for colleagues.

"We are confident that standards have improved, and are working hard to ensure this continues.”

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