Under-fire care home takes action over cleanliness and staffing issues

Action has been taken over cleanliness and staffing levels at a Renfrewshire care home after serious concerns were raised by inspectors and a whistleblower.

Earlier this year, a former employee at Nightingale House in Paisley spoke out about worrying conditions and quality of care at the Mansionhouse Road facility.

The whistleblower claimed several workers had left which had led to a concerning decline in standards.

The situation was laid bare in a subsequent report from the Care Inspectorate which graded Nightingale House – run by Sterling Care Homes Ltd – as “weak” across all areas.

Inspectors found the lack of staff was creating issues around the handling of medication and ensuring the home was clean.

But following unannounced check-ups carried out in recent weeks, the latest report from the watchdog confirms improvements have been made.

The report stated: “Staff engaged with people in a warm and caring manner. Sufficient numbers of staff were available to meet the needs of people experiencing care.

“Core and regular agency staff teams were observed to have a helpful impact on outcomes for people.

“Care was more person-centred and staff demonstrated a commitment to take account of people’s wishes and preferences.

“Medication and wound management had improved, and the service was able to respond to peoples changing health needs. As a result, the support required from external healthcare professionals was seen to be lessening.

“Environmental refurbishments were progressing to improve facilities throughout the care home. Cleanliness of the environment had been maintained with a temporary housekeeper providing support. Improvements to the laundry had been fully completed.

“The service continued to recruit a permanent substantive management team. We will continue to closely monitor potential risks around staffing as further progress is required in this area.”

The home has now been upgraded to “adequate” for all categories including infection control and prevention practices, staffing arrangements and people’s well-being.

Inspectors also said people were being supported to get more out of life with daily planned activities, opportunities to go outdoors and improved mealtime experiences.

The latest report was included in a fortnightly round-up of inspections which was laid before the Scottish Parliament.

By local democracy reporter Steph Brawn