Lothians MSP Miles Briggs has expressed concern over infection control measures at an Edinburgh nursing home.
The Care Inspectorate carried out an unannounced virtual inspection of Lorimer House Nursing Home, Lanark Road, on 27 January and followed this up with a visit with Healthcare Improvement Scotland on 5 – 8 February.
They reported ‘significant concerns relating to infection protection.’
Cleaning agents did not meet current best practice guidance and there was inadequate staff access to both PPE stations and clinical waste disposal bins.
Several soiled mattresses and mattress covers were found during the inspection and some dining room furniture was contaminated by food waste.
Edinburgh Health & Social Care Partnership has been informed of the findings and a follow up inspection to monitor progress will take place.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “The majority of care home residents have received their first vaccination for Covid-19, but it is still vital that infection prevention control measures are strictly followed.
“Care homes have had months to fully implement proper protocols and there is no excuse for not following guidance to the full.
“These concern from the Care Inspectorate must be immediately addressed to ensure the safety of care home residents at Lorimer House Nursing Home.”
Management at Lorimer House say the report does not tell the full story, however, and they fully expect to be exhonerated on appeal.
Sean Black of Lindemann Healthcare, who operate Lorimer House, responded: “The safety and wellbeing of our residents is our highest priority, and Lorimer House has always received the highest standards during inspections.
“We are appealing against the recent rating from the Care Inspectorate, as we were graded at this level because we were using a different cleaning solution to the one specified.
“Lorimer House has a robust cleaning regime which was previously inspected at the NHS Covid assurance visit, and the detergents used in the home are a suitable alternative to bleach-based solutions, which are registered to British safety standards.
“It is unfortunate and disappointing that this information was released before the appeal process was complete. We strongly believe that our appeal will be successful and hope that the corrected rating will be reflective of our consistent high standards.”
No such issues at Northcare Suites Care Home on Telford Road, however; the care home received a glowing report.
Northcare was inspected between 13 -19 January using virtual technology.
Feedback from residents, families and visiting health professionals was very positive, and essential visits at end of life were both encouraged and supported.
Northcare ranked ‘very good’ across the board: in people’s health and wellbeing, infection prevention and control practices and staffing arrangements.
