Marchmont Care Home 'must improve' says Care Inspectorate

Marchmont Care Home was inspected by a team of three from the Care Inspectorate over three days last month.

Its staff team and setting was graded as good, but other aspects of the service were classed as adequate.

The watchdog said it was concerned at a "lack of thorough investigation and learning" from incidents that had occurred at the home in the past.

The inspectors also said that medication systems and records were "not always in line with best practice", or with the home's own policy on medication.

They rated the home's quality of care and support, its leadership and its planning of care and support as 'adequate'.

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The report said: "During our visit to the service, we observed genuine and familiar interactions between staff, people and their families.

"Families said 'we are made to feel welcome when we visit, the staff are helpful'.

"People told us 'I am quite happy here; the staff are very good and I have no complaints'.

The inspectors added: "People experienced an environment which was clean and maintained to a good standard.

"Clear arrangements for maintenance and day to day repairs were in place and well documented.

"During the inspection we highlighted some potential tripping hazards from a loose carpet and exposed cables in people's bedrooms.

"We were satisfied that action had been taken to address these issues timeously to reduce the risks of harm to people."

The watchdog imposed a 'requirement' to the home that safe and effective medication management systems and procedures must be in place by January 19.

Marchmont, in Alderwood Road, provides nursing and residential care for up to 51 people. (Image: Newsquest) Inspectors said: "While we recognised strengths that had led to positive experiences for some people using the service, improvements were required to prevent people from experiencing poor outcomes in relation to their health and wellbeing.

"Medication systems and records were not always in line with best practice or the provider's own medication policy.

"Total stock levels and checks of people's medication supply including oral and topical medication was not well documented.

"This meant there was potential risk of people not having access to the right medication at the right time."

The report said families had described the home's leadership team as "approachable, accommodating and friendly".

But the inspectors said: "We were concerned about the lack of thorough investigation and learning from some accidents and incidents that had occurred.

"This included people experiencing falls, sustaining injuries and other incidents where there was a risk of harm.

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"We were not confident that arrangements were in place to fully review, investigate and respond to significant events, including protection incidents when things went wrong.

"We were not always able to see how people's changing needs had been reflected in their care plans and risk assessments to ensure these provided staff with up to date and essential information on how to support people safely."

That resulted in another requirement, which also must be met by January, to "ensure that robust arrangements are in place to review, investigate and respond to significant events, including protection incidents when things have gone wrong".

A Marchmont spokesperson said: " We are pleased with our recent visit from the Care Inspectorate.

"We are delighted that the report has highlighted that residents are supported with kindness, warmth and compassion from our colleagues.

"We are grateful to our hardworking staff who work around the clock to ensure residents receive the high quality support they rightfully deserve."