A GREENOCK nursing home that suffered a coronavirus outbreak last month has been praised for its care and support after an inspection.

Balclutha Court – which looks after more than 50 residents – was graded as 'adequate' by the Care Inspectorate following a check-up focused specifically on how well residents were being looked after during the pandemic.

Inspectors said they were unable to spend time speaking to residents about the service, due to people self-isolating following confirmed Covid-19 cases.

But they hailed the Forsyth Street home for its support of people’s health and wellbeing, infection control practices, and staffing arrangements.

A report summarising the watchdog’s findings said: “People were cared for by experienced staff members who knew people’s needs and wishes well.

“There were some people living at the home with additional needs, such as nutrition and end-of-life care.

"We found there to be good practice in these areas."

The report stated that every person living at the service had a care plan that detailed their needs, written 'in a respectful way' and containing all the essential information for staff to follow.

It added: “The care home was clean, tidy and free of clutter which helped promote social distancing. 

"The service supported people who were self-isolating well by liaising with partner agencies, following their advice, and having clear signage and processes.

“There was separation of clean and used laundry, and staff knew the system well to minimise the risk of infection. 

"We saw ample personal protective equipment (PPE) across the home.

“Staffing levels were high ensuring people had the right level of support to meet their needs.”

However, inspectors did find service provider Barchester Healthcare Ltd was not observing the most up-to-date Scottish legislation on coronavirus and have requested this is integrated into staff training.

They also highlighted 'a small number of errors' with regards to staff using PPE during their visit and suggested people’s care plans could be improved.

Inspectors wrote: "We felt they could be more person-centred, offering greater insight into people’s likes and dislikes and what’s important to them.

“Recording people’s activities, particularly those with limited communication, could also be improved.

“Staff generally wore appropriate PPE.

"However, we witnessed a small number of errors.

"Similarly, there was a lack of understanding at times around specific infection prevention and control issues.

“We reviewed the guidance available to staff and the most current up-to-date information was not readily accessible.

"We recognised the service is part of a national organisation and, while there was infection prevention and control documentation from the provider, there was a lack of understanding about the most up-to-date Scottish guidance.

“We shared guidance with the service and asked them to integrate it into ongoing staff meetings, training, and development.”

Barchester Healthcare Ltd has confirmed Balclutha Court is now free of coronavirus.

A spokesman for Barchester said: “We take the findings of the Care Inspectorate very seriously.

"We can confirm Scottish policies have been followed at all times at Balclutha Court but unfortunately, our paperwork was not demonstrating this.

“We have now ensured printed copies of Scottish guidance are available to all staff.

"The care of our residents is at the forefront of everything we do, and we are proud of our compassionate and respectful staff who were highlighted positively within the report.

“We are also glad to report the residents with Covid-19 detailed within the report have recovered well and Balclutha Court is now free of cases.”