An under-fire Fife nursing home threatened with sanctions after serious concerns were raised about its care and support of residents during the Covid-19 pandemic has improved in the last month.
Inspectors ordered immediate action at Gowrie House in Kirkcaldy in the wake of two unannounced probes that uncovered problems with cleanliness and coronavirus measures in July.
Rated ‘weak’ by the Care Inspectorate, the purpose-built home, which can accommodate up to 60 older people, was facing possible enforcement action or closure but The Courier has learned that a follow-up inspection earlier this month has shown a marked upturn in performance.
The home provides long term care and ad- hoc short stay respite for older people.
A Care Inspectorate spokesperson said “significant progress” had been made towards addressing requirements detailed in a serious concerns letter issued on July 8.
“Staff had received training in Covid-19, the correct use of PPE, and infection prevention and control.
“We also observed that there had been further action taken to improve the overall cleanliness of the building.
“We observed that the staff were now monitoring fluid intake for people and they had implemented a process to record this that ensured that staff were able to record and monitor individuals’ fluid intake and ensure these were appropriate.
“We will continue to work with the health and social care partnership and NHS Public Health to monitor the home.”
The home was given 48 hours to take action following an initial inspection and although some areas were addressed, other areas of improvement remained when inspectors returned two days later.
Concerns were raised about a lack of activities for people in communal areas, weekly weighing not being carried out and incomplete fluid balance charts.
There was confusion among staff about procedures, staff seen not wearing PPE properly, a failure to ensure social distancing in the lounge and dining areas and a general concern about cleanliness in a number of areas.
