Covid-hit care home criticised over infection control

A care home where 13 residents died from coronavirus has been criticised by the Care Inspectorate after being rated “unsatisfactory” for infection control.

Guthrie House in Liberton, Edinburgh, is run by Four Seasons Health Care.

An inspection was carried out on September 1 after 13 residents died in April and the Care Inspectorate raised “serious concerns”.

A report said staff “did not fully understand” safe personal protective equipment (PPE) practice, and residents had not been encouraged to keep in touch with relatives during lockdown.

The report, first revealed by the Edinburgh Evening News, said: “There was no evidence to show that people living within the care home had been encouraged to keep in contact with their families during lockdown.

“There were serious concerns relating to the cleanliness of the furnishings and equipment used to support people.

“Staff were not fully complying with current guidance on infection prevention and control and did not fully understand safe practices with regards to PPE.

“Staffing levels were not sufficient for staff to provide social stimulation for people. Some attempts had been made to support social distancing, but these were limited.”

A follow-up infection on September 3 found some attempts had been made to address the concerns but were deemed “not sufficient” by the Care Inspectorate.

Overall, the care home was rated ‘weak’ for the measure on the quality of people’s health and well-being and staffing arrangements, and unsatisfactory for infection prevention and control practices.

A spokesman for Four Seasons Health Care said: ““The Covid-19 pandemic quickly created immense challenges for all organisations in the health and social care sectors and we continue to strive every day to protect everyone in our homes.

“We deeply regret that Guthrie House care home has fallen below the standards that the Care Inspectorate requires and that we expect. Since the inspection, we have put in place a comprehensive action plan and are fully supporting the home to ensure this is delivered.

“Our colleagues are working tirelessly on the frontline to care for our residents under difficult circumstances and we will continue to put all our resources and energy into supporting and protecting everyone in our homes.”