BOSSES at a Port Glasgow care centre have been ordered to make improvements after a watchdog said it was “not confident” the service’s base was safe or well maintained.
The Care Inspectorate praised the quality of care and support provided at the Muirshiel Resource Centre – but identified a series of concerns around staffing levels and the condition of the Muirshiel Road building.
The service looks after older people with dementia, mental health issues and physical disabilities.
The watchdog’s 13-page report has been published after a four-day unannounced inspection of the service in September.
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Inspectors raised concern that the fire safety risk assessment for the building was “significantly out of date”.
Their report says: "There was a lack of clarity around who was responsible for all maintenance checks within the building.
"The staffing levels, however, did not always seem adequate to meet the needs of people.
"There was no safe accessible outdoor space to be used except for the area at the front of the building though this was where the minibus was stationed.
"The fire safety risk assessment for the service was significantly out of date. This could put people at risk.
"We were not confident the setting was safe nor well maintained."
In contrast, however, the report praised the quality of the service’s support for people’s wellbeing, its staff team, and its care and support, rating all as ‘good’.
The inspectors said: "Staff knew people really well and were compassionate and caring, which we observed throughout the inspection.
"They were visible and responsive and communicated well with families.
"People had access to a range of snacks and drinks and enjoyed sociable conversation and interactions during mealtimes.
"We heard people saying they sit with their friends and have also made new friends.”
The report added: "Many people were referred to the service as they were isolated and experiencing loneliness.
"People told us they enjoyed and looked forward to the activities they were part of.
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"When asked what was good people told us 'the staff are magic, they don't tell us, they ask us.'"
The centre was also praised for the care plans put in place for each adult.
The report continued: "People using the service and coming to the service were involved in decisions about their care.
"Relatives told us that they were contacted regularly for input and this gave them confidence in the service.
"Reviews were taking place every six months and people and their loved ones had been involved in developing the care plan and regularly reviewing them together.
"The plans were then updated to include new information for example a new food the person liked or a change in health."
A Muirshiel Resource Centre spokesperson said:"Muirshiel Centre its staff and directors are engaging proactively with partner organisations and contractors seeking practical resolutions to issues highlighted.
"A fire risk assessment has been completed by an external consultant.
"Remedial electrical works have been commissioned with a contractor scheduled to commence work on November 28.
"The fire safety policy document has been reviewed and amended in light of information arising from the fire risk assessment.
"A maintenance policy is being prepared at this time and will include identification of individual responsible for monitoring and auditing."
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