Glasgow care home threatened with closure after inspection uncovers 'serious' concerns

A Glasgow care home is facing the threat of closure after “serious” concerns were raised during an inspection.

Baillieston Care Home has been given until the end of April to improve on several aspects of its care or a proposal will be made to cancel its registration.

The Care Inspectorate said it identified “serious and significant concerns” during a recent visit.

Among the orders care home operators must comply with is ensuring that service users “experience safe and compassionate care and treatment” including support with personal care and help with eating and drinking.

They have been told to ensure every resident has an accurate personal plan and that they are referred to external agencies when needed.

Staff qualifications and competency must also be improved as part of the order as well as the number of staff on shift who are “appropriately skilled, knowledgeable and experience in the role they are to perform”.

Staff have been told that they must “protect the health, welfare and safety of those who use the service” including ensuring people can access their money when they choose and that peoples’ funds are secure and managed.

The care home itself must also be improved with the internal premises and furnishes to be made to make the building “clean and fit for purpose”. Checks of the care home environment must also be put in place.

All the demands must be met by April 29.

A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said: “An inspection has identified serious and significant concerns at Baillieston Care Home in Glasgow.

“We understand this is a difficult and distressing time for residents of the care home, their loved ones and staff at the home.

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

“Because of our concerns we have issued an Improvement Notice which sets out the significant improvements that must be made, swiftly, so that the care experienced by residents is of a standard they have a right to expect.

“We are communicating closely with partners including the local health and social care partnership to ensure those affected experience appropriate support during this difficult time.

“Anyone with a concern can contact us on 0345 600 9527.”

A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership added: “We are working closely with the Care Home Manager, the owners and the Care Inspectorate following several concerns about care and support practices within Baillieston Care Home.

“We are aware of the issuing of an Enforcement Notice by the Care Inspectorate and are closely monitoring the situation.”

A spokesperson for Baillieston Care Home said: “We take the Care Inspectorate’s statement very seriously and of course are disappointed by the points raised.

“We are focused on addressing these points with immediate effect to ensure that our care service meets all regulatory standards and the expectations of residents and their families.

“We have introduced a new management team to the home, including appointing an operations manager, as well as general manager, to provide additional support and accelerate improvements. We will continue to work closely with local authorities.”