'Significant concerns' remain at Borders care home

Inspectors found improvements had been made at the care home

Improvements have been implemented at a Borders care home but "significant concerns" remain, according to inspectors.

St Andrew's Care Home at Stirches in Hawick was served with an improvement notice earlier this year and ordered to carry out a deep clean.

It was also told to ensure fire exits were kept clear, staffing levels were improved and internal facilities were upgraded.

A follow-up report found action had been taken to improve standards of infection prevention and control.

But it also ruled that staffing levels were "insufficient" and "significant internal environmental concerns" remained.

Care home owner Park Homes (UK) Ltd, which is based in Bradford, has been approached for comment.

At the time of the most recent Care Inspectorate visit there were 29 people living in the home. It is registered to accommodate 40 people.

Two inspectors who carried out the visit said that improvements made since the last visit contributed to a safer and more comfortable environment for residents.

They found the provider had taken steps to eliminate most hazards in line with health and safety regulations, including fire safety issues.

Improvements had also been made to the external grounds and the front entrance of the care home, which appeared "more welcoming".

'Comprehensive review'

However, current environmental issues continued to pose risks to safety and compromise the dignity of those living in the service, inspectors found.

The report stated: "Significant internal environmental concerns remained.

"The provider must ensure a comprehensive improvement plan is in place for renovation and upgrades to the care home."

It found improvements had been made to ensure effective communication and regular contact between all staff had been re-established contributing to a "more open and transparent working culture".

The report added: "Current staffing arrangements were insufficient to meet the needs of residents safely.

"The provider must complete a comprehensive review of staffing levels in line with best practice guidance and the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019."

It added that a revised improvement notice was issued to the provider on 31 October, and time scales to meet two requirements had been extended.

Reporting by local democracy journalist Paul Kelly