Easter Ross care home’s drainage and ‘sewage smell’ issues spark recommendations for improvement from Care Inspectorate
"Escalating" problems with sewage smells and the backing up of pipes in a Highland care home have been highlighted by inspectors following an unannounced visit.
The issue. which inspectors fear may require "significant" work to fix, was a factor behind their "weak" rating for the setting of the Kintyre House care home in Invergordon.
During the visit, inspectors from the Care Inspectorate had noted that work had been carried out to improve the interior since their previous trip - including the redecoration of the main lounge, which now boasted a “welcoming and comfortable” appearance, as well work to update some en-suite shower rooms and some of the bedrooms.
The hallways had also been refreshed and “looked fresher and better”.
But an issue with a leaking conservatory roof whose repair had “not proven effective”, and the sewage smell, both sparked comment.
Commenting on the smell, the inspector said: “We reviewed maintenance records and noticed there had been some regular concerns about sewage smell and on occasion a back up of drainage matter in people's en-suites. During our inspection, the smell became apparent, and we found this to be malodorous.
“Maintenance staff came in and had to manually clear blockages in the main drain in the car park and the outcome was to a good effect. When speaking with the management team it was clear the problem was escalating in frequency.”
They continued: “From talking to the manager and the provider at feedback, it was apparent that the level of work required had the potential to be significant. We agreed with the provider to continue a sequence of meetings to keep us informed of the plan to address the root cause of the problems.”
However, despite the weak rating for the care home's setting as a result of plumbing issues at the home, it otherwise scored a mix of "good" and "very good" ratings elsewhere following the visit.
Inspectors praised the staff's work to support residents' wellbeing, the leadership of the home, the staffing team, and the care and support planning at the site.
On the latter, they said; “We found significant strengths in aspects of the care provided and how these supported positive outcomes for people, therefore we evaluated this key question as very good.
“Staff had continuously updated personal plans to ensure the care and support people received was right for them and matched their preferences.”
Concluding their report, the inspectors added that two areas identified for improvement in November 2023 following a previous inspection had both seen progress - with one, about ensuring sufficient staff numbers when unexpected absences arise, having been met in full.
The other area for improvement had been to progress and complete works on environmental improvements and refurbishments.
Reviewing that, they said: "The provider had progressed a number of areas within the environmental improvement plan. However, there were significant areas still to be addressed, as well as an area which had the potential to cause harm to people, which was around the drainage concerns."
They issued follow-up requirements that “the provider must ensure the care home is kept in a good state of repair externally and internally” by January 1.
“To do this, the provider must, at a minimum, regularly review and assess the environment, in particular the conservatory and the drainage system, taking remedial action as required; implement robust plans to mitigate the risks to people who live in the care home; and put in place a plan with timescales to address the root cause of the concerns, which should be done as soon as possible.”
