Bupa annouce closure of Edinburgh’s Pentland Hill home

A care home at the centre of a police investigation into the deaths of four residents has said that it intends to close.

Bupa-owned Pentland Hill Nursing Home said it took the “reluctant decision” to shut because of difficulties recruiting nursing staff.

A spokesman said: “We are speaking to the council to explore ways to reduce the impact on residents and safeguard their welfare.

“The home will not be closed until all residents have been found an appropriate new home.”

“Our residents, their families, and inspectors have recognised the significant improvements made to the home, and everyone was committed to investing the resources needed to continue this progress.

“However, recruiting experienced and qualified nurses continues to be a challenge due to the national shortage of nurses and, in particular, in Edinburgh. Without more of these experienced, qualified nurses it is not possible to take the care home to the level that we want it to reach – and maintain this in the long term.”

The home has been dogged with problems since the Care Inspectorate found serious concerns at an unannounced inspection last year.

Although the Care Inspectorate noted some positive changes in recent months, an Improvement Notice and block on admissions remained in force.

Speaking about the closure, Dr Robert Peat, Director of Inspection, said: “Every person is entitled to safe, high-quality care. Our inspection team identified serious concerns last year, and we recently reported on some limited improvements at the start of the year, but the pace of change has been frustratingly slow. We remain concerned that even where improvements have been made, they may not be sustained.

“We served BUPA with an Improvement Notice in January. This required them to give prescribed medicines to residents, provide sufficient food and fluids, train and monitor staff properly, and follow care plans correctly.

“We are currently mid-inspection, checking to see whether the necessary improvements have been made in time and met with BUPA on 23 May to share our initial findings and continued concerns around medicines and care plans.

“Now that BUPA intends to voluntarily close the home, we are working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council to find new homes for the current residents. The first priority is the safety and well-being of elderly residents, and we expect all parties to work closely together to minimise the disruption at this difficult time.”