A care home in Inverness, Scotland, has initiated significant improvements following a BBC investigation and subsequent scrutiny from the Care Inspectorate. The watchdog noted progress at Castlehill Care Home, which faced the risk of having its registration cancelled unless changes were made.
Inspection Findings and Required Improvements
The Care Inspectorate conducted an unannounced inspection last month and found that Castlehill had addressed several of its concerns. Key improvements included securing nurse stations and implementing additional checks on medication administration. However, the inspectors emphasized that further enhancements were necessary, particularly regarding infection control measures.
Families of residents had previously alleged incidents of “cruelty” and “neglect” at the facility, following revelations from a BBC Disclosure investigation aired in September. This report highlighted a range of care failures, prompting a response from the care home management.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Castlehill Care Home asserted, “We are committed to providing the highest possible standards of care through evidence-based practice and personalised care plans.” They thanked the staff, residents, and families for their ongoing support during this process.
Specific Improvements and Ongoing Challenges
Notable advancements at Castlehill include the implementation of locked staff areas to protect sensitive information. The accuracy of residents’ care notes has reportedly improved, and the administration of medication is now being closely monitored, with additional measures in place for “time-critical” medications.
Despite these positive steps, the Care Inspectorate identified infection prevention and control as a critical area requiring further action. Inspectors expressed concerns about staff adherence to protocols, particularly regarding regular hand hygiene practices. The home has been given until December 14, 2023, to address these shortcomings.
The investigation by BBC News reporter Catriona MacPhee involved undercover work as a cleaner at Castlehill for seven weeks during the summer. She documented distressing conditions for residents, including instances of vulnerable older individuals being left in urine-soaked clothing and wet bedsheets, often calling out for assistance.
Additionally, she reported incidents of a female resident expressing distress over male carers providing intimate personal care, linked to chronic staff shortages within the facility.
Castlehill, operated by Morar Living, is the largest care home in Inverness, accommodating up to 88 residents. Many individuals pay for their care privately, while others receive funding from the state. Since its opening in 2019, NHS Highland has disbursed nearly £10 million in fees to Castlehill, underscoring the financial stakes involved in the ongoing care quality discussions.
As Castlehill Care Home works to meet the required standards, the situation remains fluid, with close monitoring from regulatory bodies and heightened scrutiny from the community and media.
