AN Inchinnan care home has been blasted by inspectors in its latest check-up after staff were observed sharing medical equipment among several residents and using dirty wheelchairs.

The Care Inspectorate graded the LittleInch Care Home as ‘weak’ or ‘adequate’ across all areas in a report. 

It comes after the establishment was graded as ‘good’ for its staffing, management and environment last year.

Inspectors said they were ‘disappointed’ to see no improvement in staff members’ approach to care and observed a ‘deterioration’ in practice.

In the report, inspectors said: “We were concerned residents’ health needs were not met safely at all times. We saw the same equipment was shared for more than one resident, presenting potential infection control risk.

“We were disappointed to observe no improvement in practice, despite recent provision of professional advice and training.

“Staff received guidance and instruction from other health colleagues with regards to food and fluid support. Yet, this was not implemented.

“Staff had a responsibility to ensure personal belongings such as clothing was stored in a respectful and neat manner. Each wardrobe we saw had clothes and other items stored in a cluttered way. This deterioration in staff practice did not promote respectful care.”

The report also noted several failings with regards to patients’ wellbeing.
Inspectors said: “We observed residents were not given a verbal choice of where to sit to relax. Staff always took residents to the larger lounge where it was often busy.”

Despite several shortcomings, inspectors did praise the home for having an ‘approachable’ and ‘supportive’ new management team. They said the management team were responsive to concerns raised throughout the check-up.

The Gazette approached the care home for comment.