Cardross care home’s transformation

A CARDROSS care home is celebrating being upgraded to a four star site – after being set to close less than a year ago.

Last winter, Bloomhill House Care Home was accused of negligence and poor patient care by former employees and relatives of residents.

This lead to the Care Commission receiving complaints and launching an investigation into the nursing home.

Twelve months on there have been widespread changes at the facility, which has resulted in the same Care Commission upgrading the quality rating of the home.

Vivienne Angus, Bloomhill’s clinical co-ordinator, said: “Last year there were accusations about residents not being fed and the care being poor. I’m not sure how true that was as I only joined the staff six months ago – but the turnaround has been incredible.

“The owner, Sandra Hamill, has changed the fabric of the whole place. There are new carpets, everything has been refurbished and all maintenance work is up to date. We also have a new and very experienced cook.

“Mrs Hamill actually stays on the premises now, whereas before she spent a lot of time abroad, so that means she doesn’t have to hire different managers to run the place.

“The majority of the staff are new. There are still a couple of girls who worked here a year ago and morale really was low, but it’s a different ball game for them now.”

Vivienne also said there is now better interactivity between relatives of residents and the home.

This includes a relative participation group and the distribution of monthly newsletters.

Despite having secured a rating upgrade, Vivienne insists that improvements to the site are ongoing.

She added: “I think investment in staff training is the next step. We are always trying to exceed the national standard for care.

“We’re in constant contact with the Care Commission and I think they were very happy with their last visit.”