Care home makes improvements after 'serious' concerns
Getty ImagesA Borders care home where inspectors raised "serious and significant" concerns has made improvements which have had a "positive impact" on its residents.
The Care Inspectorate served Park Homes (UK) with an improvement notice last year at its St Andrew's Care Home in Hawick and ordered a thorough deep clean.
A follow-up visit found "significant concerns" remained - but the most recent inspection noted improvements.
The care home received "adequate" ratings for its staff team, leadership, setting and supporting well-being.
The care home is registered for 40 people but there are currently 28 living there.
Its operator asked the Care Inspectorate to vary conditions of registration to reduce the number of people, following a decision to close the second-floor accommodation.
Inspectors visited the home in both August and October last year.
Concerns were raised about responsiveness to immediate hazards, inconsistent monitoring of health, disruption to quality checks and staffing levels.
On a return visit on 15 December, the inspectorate team found improvements had been made.
Improved standards of Infection Prevention and Control had been maintained and steps had been taken to eliminate health and safety hazards.
Staffing levels had increased and off-site senior managers visited regularly to offer support and provide clear decision-making.
Meanwhile, most outstanding environmental issues had been addressed, with remaining repairs planned to start early this year.
The report said: "Staffing numbers had increased, reducing risks to people using the service and enabling their care needs to be met more promptly.
"This had a positive impact on both the mental and physical well-being of people using the service."
Park Homes (UK) has been approached for comment.
