Edinburgh care home graded ‘weak’ following inspection

An Edinburgh care home has been criticised by the Care Inspectorate following a unannounced inspection earlier this year.

Guthrie Court Care Home was graded “weak” and “unsatisfactory” in all areas of the inspection, which took place in March.

Inspectors had found serious concerns at an earlier inspection in October 2013 and made 10 requirements for improvement, but at the most recent unannounced inspection in March this year, only three had been fully met.

Inspectors did identify some positive interactions between staff and residents, and a new temporary manager had been appointed one week before the inspection.

But the inspectors also found that the quality of staffing had deteriorated, and they continued to have concerns about the environment, personal plans, privacy and dignity, infection control, staff training, staff supervision, quality assurance and complaints procedures.  

Care inspectors continue to work closely with the home to support urgent improvement.  

A Care Inspectorate spokesperson said:“We identified serious concerns about this care home last year but the provider, Four Seasons Health Care, has not yet made the improvements we require.  

“During this inspection we examined the same care plans as at the last inspection but found no improvements. It is of serious concern that despite these issues being raised previously no action had been taken to implement the required improvement, leaving residents at preventable risk.  

“Residents’ daily intake fluid was not being properly recorded or reviewed, and staff did not interact with residents at meal times.  

“Throughout the inspection we saw evidence of a clear lack of oversight of practice and management and leadership. Quality assurance systems were weak and had little impact on ensuring the provision of good quality care for residents.  

“We are working closely with the local authority and health colleagues to support improvement but will not hesitate to take further action if improvement is not made and sustained quickly.”

The inspection report is here: http://cinsp.in/1gaLR90