Ayrshire nursing home could be shut down if 'significant improvements' are not made, warns watchdog

A nursing home in North Ayrshire has been warned that if it fails to improve care for residents, it risks losing its license.

Shalom Nursing Home in the Dreghorn area of Irvine, which has capacity for up to 45 residents, has been issued several improvement notices by the Care Inspectorate following a recent visit.

A spokesperson said: “An inspection has identified significant concerns about the quality of care experienced by residents at Shalom Nursing Home in Irvine.

“We understand this is a difficult and distressing time for residents, their families and staff at the service.

“However, our first priority is always the health and wellbeing of people.

“Because of our concerns we have issued an Improvement Notice.

“This sets out the significant improvements that must be made within a specified timeframe.

“We are in contact with and monitoring the service to follow up on the required improvements.”

The improvement notice outlines areas for the operator, ZAAM Care Ltd, to work on over the coming weeks.

By November 10, Shalom Nursing Home should improve cleanliness throughout the building including bedrooms, bathrooms and communal areas.

Mattresses and care equipment were singled out in the improvement notice for cleaning.

The Care Inspectorate also required management to better record and respond to serious incidents which occur in the home, as well as report any incident to the watchdog and the relevant social care partnership.

By November 24, Shalom Nursing Home should ensure that clinical monitoring is accurate, better identify patients’ needs, and provide support for nutrition and hydration.

The home must also improve the oversight by staff of the administration of medication to residents.

The care watchdog also wanted management to strengthen its leadership and make sure staff are carrying out quality checks routinely.

If improvements to the service are not made to inspectors’ standards by their next visit, the operator risks having its licence cancelled.

Shalom Nursing Home has been approached for comment.