More improvement needed at Bupa nursing home

More work is needed to improve care services at a private nursing home previously threatened with closure, according to inspectors.

A specialist team found progress had been made at Edinburgh’s Bupa-run Pentland Hill nursing home but called for standards to be raised more quickly.

Police have submitted a report to the procurator fiscal following a separate investigation into four deaths at the home.

The Care Inspectorate issued an improvement notice last year after inspectors reported serious concerns during an unannounced visit to the premises, which remains closed to new admissions.

The home was warned it faced closure unless standards were raised.

Inspectors who visited on December 20 found that the home had made improvements to bedding, nutrition and the way in which medicines were administered and recorded.

The garden had been made safe for residents and complaints were being handled properly, they said.

Dr Robert Peat, director of inspection, said: “We have seen evidence of changes in how Pentland Hill is run, including a new manager, which is welcome.

“Overall, the home has made some progress but we need to see greater and faster improvements so the changes are sustained and consistent. Every person is entitled to high-quality, safe care that is compassionate.

“We seriously considered whether to use our powers to request that a Sheriff closes this home, but determined on balance that the best outcome for residents is to continue to drive improvements, providing they can be made quickly.

“The improvement notice remains in force and we will not adjust the grades until we see evidence of sustained improvement. “

The home has been given until the end of this week to make further improvements.