The scrutiny body has identified concerns about the quality of care at NHS Highland’s Care at Home Service in Sutherland.
The Care Inspectorate, a scrutiny body that manages the quality of care in Scotland, has identified what it calls “serious and significant concerns” about the quality of care at NHS Highland’s Care at Home Service in Sutherland.
The Care at Home service supports those who find it difficult to manage daily routines.
Acknowledging that this is “a difficult and distressing time for service users, their families and staff at the service,” nonetheless, an improvement notice has been issued.
This sets out the significant improvements that must be made within a specified timeframe.
Four areas of concern
Although a full report has yet to be published, the inspectorate has made public its concerns in a letter.
It highlights four areas of concern all of which must be addressed by 25 May.
First, that service users experience safe and compassionate care and treatment that meets their health, safety and well-being needs and preferences. This includes but is not limited to support with administration of medication, skin integrity and moving safely.
Second, that medication is handled and administered correctly.
Third, that there is effective governance at the service level to monitor and manage the quality of care. This should include but need not be limited to, the well-being and safety of service users and staff practice.
And finally, that people are supported at all times by sufficient numbers of suitably skilled staff to meet their health, safety and wellbeing needs.
