A Broughty Ferry care home has until Monday to make a host of safety improvements or it risks losing its licence.
Brae Cottage was hit with five improvement notices from the Care Inspectorate on February 19.
Two of the notices regarding heating and radiator safety must be addressed by the end of the month or the home’s registration could be cancelled.
The notice, addressed to manager Linda Weir, states that all radiators must be fitted with covers to protect users from burns by the end of February.
It also states the home must “monitor and maintain adequate temperature within all areas of the care service premises”.
Management will also have to demonstrate that staff are able to fix faults in the heating system in “a timely and effective manner” by Monday.
The home is also required to carry out a full environmental risk assessment on all issues which “potentially may cause harm to users” by the end of March.
Another improvement notice that must be complied with by the end of next month states: “You must put in place and implement a system to ensure that no service user is subject to restraint unless it is the only practicable way of securing their welfare and safety.”
The home must also develop a policy on the use of restraint and demonstrate proper records are being kept about when restraint is used.
Finally, Brae Cottage, which has up to 14 residents at any one time, has until the end of April to address staffing levels.
“You must ensure that, having regard to the size and nature of the care service, its aims and objectives and the number and needs of service users, at all times suitably qualified and competent persons are working in the care service in such numbers as appropriate for the health, welfare and safety of service users.”
One former employee told The Courier that the heating had been broken in one room for three days and that duct tape had been used to cover up radiator knobs in order to stop residents from burning themselves.
Manager Linda Weir said: “All I would say is that we are working with the Care Inspectorate to make sure things are carried out.”