Buchanan Lodge care home in Glasgow ordered to clean up after grime and body fluids found on surfaces

A Glasgow care home for vulnerable men without anywhere to live has been given a month to clean up its premises after dirt and body fluids were found on surfaces.

Inspectors discovered some walls had body fluids, grime and food debris encrusted on them at Buchanan Lodge.

During an unannounced visit on March 23, they also found grime and food on most communal chairs and tables at the unit, which looks after long-term homeless men with alcohol addiction problems.

The communal toilet was also “heavily contaminated” with grime and body fluids.

A Care Inspectorate report said: “People experiencing care have the right to experience an environment that is clean and tidy. We found that the cleanliness in some areas of the home, and of some care equipment was not at an acceptable standard.”

The Fernhill Road unit was rated ‘weak’ by the Care Inspectorate for how well it supports people’s wellbeing and for care and support during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A total of 35 men currently live there.

As well as the faults however, a report from the agency praised the bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms as clean.

The report mentioned some strengths including in how “people’s wellbeing” is supported.

The report said: “We observed warm and caring interactions between staff and people experiencing care. This reflected that they had an understanding and knowledge of people’s care needs and preferences.

“People that we spoke with knew who their key worker was. That meant they had got to know each other well whilst maintaining a supportive relationship.”

People also got the chance to go to activities and had access to a pool table, air hockey and table tennis.

The Care Inspectorate told the home, which is run by Talbot Association Ltd, to carry out a list of actions by April 25 to make it cleaner.

The report said: “By April 25, 2022, the provider must ensure that people experience care in an environment that is clean, safe and minimises the risk of infection.”

It added: “By April 25, 2022, the provider must ensure that the cleanliness of the environment is maintained to minimise the risk of infection.”

People who live in the accommodation were asked for their views, and comments included “staff are great” and workers are “so supportive and easy to talk to”.

A resident added: “I also feel respected, which is important to me.”

Talbot Association Ltd has been contacted for comment.