Glasgow care home given one month to fix 'serious issues'

The Care Inspectorate have told bosses at Baillieston Care Home that they have until the end of April to action a raft of improvements or see the facility's registration revoked.

The ultimatum comes after a visit to the premises in Station Road found a string of ‘serious and significant’ failings.

The Glasgow Times has seen the four-page improvement notice that was delivered to bosses at the home by the Care Inspectorate on Friday. It contains a 15-point plan that must be actioned by April 29.

Among the main problems flagged were issues around the general management of the home, concerns around practices to ensure residents’ health, safety and wellbeing needs are met and fears that staffing levels were inadequate. The document also raises concerns over possible infection risks and service users not getting proper and timely access to their own monies.

Bosses have been warned that by the April deadline, residents must be given safe, compassionate care and treatment that meets each person’s needs and preferences, including personal care and assistance with eating and drinking where required.

READ MORE: Issues at Glasgow care homes in Baillieston and Cardonald

Management have been told that each resident must have their own personal care plan - including appropriate risk assessments – to keep them safe, and that any significant change in a person’s condition must results in an immediate review. The watchdog has also demanded people be promptly referred to external agencies where required, and that the advice from these health professionals is clearly recorded and implemented.

Owners Silverline Care have also been rapped over staffing failures identified by the Care Inspectorate. They have been told to ensure that those living within the home are supported by ‘qualified and competent employees’ - and in numbers to ensure residents' health and safety. They have also been warned there must be enough people on each shift who are appropriately skilled, knowledgeable and experienced in the roles they are performing.

The document also tells management that they must act immediately to ensure the environment within the care home is safe and minimises any risk of infection. To do this they must make sure furnishings are clean and fit for purpose, as well as ensuring that checks are in place, with appropriate and responsive remedial actions taken when required.

The care home in Baillieston (Image: Gordon Terris)

Bosses have also been ordered to implement ongoing supervisions, team meetings and observations of practices to enhance staff competency and to make sure workers properly understand their responsibilities to promote improved standards of practice in the care home.

Finally, the report demands a quality assurance system be put in place to support a culture of continuous improvement and asks for the introduction of a new process where residents or their families can access monies when they need to.

We previously told in August 2023 how the facility had been rocked by the threat of a staff walkout after a row erupted around alleged cuts to overtime rates. It came after Silverline bought the business from previous owners, the Four Seasons group.

A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate told the Glasgow Times that it considered the findings as ‘serious’.

They added: “A visit has identified serious and significant concerns at Baillieston Care Home.

“We understand this is a difficult and distressing time for residents, their loved ones and staff at the home. However, our first priority is always the health and wellbeing of those who live there.

"Because of our concerns, we have issued an improvement notice which sets out the significant improvements that must be made swiftly, so that the care experienced by residents is of a standard they have a right to expect. 

"We are communicating closely with partners, including the local health and social care partnership, to ensure those affected experience appropriate support during this difficult time. Anyone with a concern can contact us directly on 0345 600 9527."

A spokesperson for Baillieston Care Home said today that they are working towards addressing the issues flagged.

They added: “We take the Care Inspectorate’s statement very seriously and of course are disappointed by the points raised.

"We are focused on addressing these points with immediate effect to ensure that our care service meets all regulatory standards and the expectations of residents and their families. We have introduced a new management team to the home, including appointing an operations manager, as well as general manager, to provide additional support and accelerate improvements.

"We will continue to work closely with local authorities.”