A Kinross hospice that looks after terminally-ill children has been praised by inspectors for its standard of care.
Rachel House was given an unannounced inspection in February by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, which has released its findings.
Although the hospice, run by the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS), was largely given a clean bill of health, there were several issues inspectors said should be dealt with.
Chief Inspector Susan Brimelow said: “We found evidence that staff at Rachel House provided care in a very person-centred way.
“Staff listened to what people who used the service and their families wanted and what was important to them. They also involved them in decisions about care.
“Overall, we found that the service provided a very good quality of care, in a way that met the individual needs of each person who used the service. However, the service needs to improve the way it manages medication, as well as provide training for staff about protecting vulnerable adults.
“This inspection resulted in three requirements and one recommendation. The provider must address the requirements and the necessary improvements made, as a matter of priority.”
The complex was rated in five areas and quality of information, environment and staffing were all given the highest grade possible. Quality of management and leadership was deemed “very good” the second-highest mark while quality of care and support was a grade lower.
The inspectors said the hospice must audit and monitor the administration of medication, provide opportunities for regular access to training in the safe management of medication and ensure staff who have been involved in medication errors do not carry out solo administration until any additional training needs have been addressed and their competency assessed.
It must also ensure staff have the training, skills and experience necessary to meet all of the needs of patients and provide training in adult support and protection for all staff employed in the service.
It was also recommended that Rachel House review the protocol which gives guidance to staff about prescribed medication that patients bring with them to make sure it includes all of the steps that medical staff should take to get clear information about the original prescriber’s instructions.
They should also make sure medical and nursing staff are all aware of the revised protocol.
Rachel House provides accommodation for patients in eight single bedrooms. The building includes play areas for younger children, a young adult area, an art and activities room, a quiet room, spa pool, sensory area and extensive garden.