Fife care home criticised for PPE and cleanliness offered help

Health bosses have said support is available to a Kirkcaldy care home which faces a third inspection after visits revealed “significant concerns” over cleanliness and proper use of PPE.

The issues affecting Gowrie Nursing Home - which is registered to care for up to 60 elderly residents - were detailed in a report to the Scottish Parliament last week.

Inspections noted “significant progress” had been made, but said a third visit would be carried out.

The home is run by Roseguard Properties Limited, which is a member of the Four Seasons Health Care Group.

The service is in administration and is currently managed by Belsize Healthcare (Scotland) Ltd, which has been appointed by the administrator.

Inspectors carried out an unannounced visit on July 8 and again on the tenth.

Their reports also went to Fife Health and Social Care Partnership.

A spokesman for the organisation said it was aware of the situation and that “additional support is available.”

The inspections detailed “significant concerns” relating to the cleanliness of the environment, proper use of PPE, social distancing, infection prevention and control practices and staff knowledge, training and awareness of COVID-19.

It said a “serious concern letter” was issued outlining the immediate action that the home had to take.

Inspectors returned just two days later and recorded that “significant progress” had been made to address concerns in relation to staff practice and the correct wearing of PPE.

It also noted improvements had also been made with social distancing to minimise the risk of cross infection of staff and residents, and some progress in the overall cleanliness of the building.

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Their report added: “There remained areas of the building that still required further attention, and our requirement about cleanliness of the building will remain in place”

It said a third visit was planned to ensure that “immediate improvements are put in place.”

In a brief statement, Nicky Connor,director of Fife Health and Social Care Partnership.said: “The Care Home Oversight Group made up of Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, NHS Fife Public Health, Primary Care, Scottish Care and the Care Inspectorate, established at the start of the pandemic, is aware of the position and additional support is available.”

The home owners have been contacted for comment.

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