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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Marie Sharp

East Lothian care home residents had dignity 'weakened' by badly made beds, report says

Stained carpets and poorly made beds weakened the dignity and respect of residents in a care home, an inspection found.

Care inspectors who visited Drummohr Care Home, in Wallyford, East Lothian, late last year said residents "did not experience a homely environment" because of poor bedroom standards.

Giving the home a 'weak' grade 2 for the way it supported people's well-being, the inspectors said: "Although bedrooms were personalised, some people's room were not fresh smelling and had stained carpets and their clothing was poorly stored.

"Beds were poorly made with some linen needing replaced. This impinged on their dignity and respect and meant that they did not experience a homely environment."

The report recognised the kindness of staff at the home, which can accommodate up to 60 people, saying residents felt comfortable in their presence so they felt safe and cared for.

However it added: "Whilst some strengths could be identified, these were compromised by significant weaknesses.

"As these weaknesses concerned the dignity, respect and well-being of people we made several requirements for improvement."

The home was ordered to improve the state of bedrooms replacing items which could not be repaired and ensuring bed linen was "fit for purpose".

The home received a grade 3 or 'adequate' for its care and support during the pandemic

HC-One, who operate the home, said it was disappointed by the grades which came after an inspection last month when the home's Well-being team were "unfortunately unwell on the day".

A spokesperson said: "The health, safety and well-being of our residents are our top priorities.

“We are pleased that the Care Inspectorate recognised the kindness and compassion of our care team, the quality of food we serve, and the broader positive feedback of our Residents.

"However, we were disappointed by the Inspectorate’s overall grading for the home following their review in December, which took place when our Well-being Team were unfortunately unwell on the day.

“Following the inspection, an action plan was created and very significant progress has been made.

"Improvements we have made include: recruiting an additional full-time activities coordinator, redecorating 29 bedrooms, replacing carpets and equipment, and updating part of our local medication policy.

“The home is also set to benefit from a major refurbishment programme which we are hoping to start in the spring.

"We are committed to getting care right, and we are confident the Care Inspectorate will recognise these changes at their next review."

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