A north-east care home revealed to have a catalogue of failings which left residents at risk is now improving, councillors have been told.
Earlier this year Aberdeenshire Council officers held crisis talks with Banff and District members after the Press and Journal published details of scathing Care Inspectorate report into Durnhythe care home.
At a meeting of the local authority’s social work committee yesterday, members were told steps had been taken to improve conditions at the Portsoy home.
In December, inspectors graded the facility as “weak” in two areas – quality of care and support and quality of management and leadership.
Their report on the premises also revealed that a folder used to keep a record of complaints was empty – despite several references to complaints being made appearing in the minutes of staff meetings.
Social work committee chairwoman Karen Clark told yesterday’s meeting: “It is very disappointing when we receive a weak report but when we do it is important the service reacts quickly to address the issues concerned, as they have done with the Durnhythe inspection.”
Last night local councillor John Cox said: “I’m aware of the concerns of the residents, family and staff and I hope there’s regular dialogue to ensure certainly in the short term that all key issues that were highlighted in the care report are being addressed.”
His ward colleague councillor Ian Gray said: “It’s early days yet to know exactly what has been implemented and what effect it is going to have. My concern is the huge drop between the last two reports.
“I wanted an assurance to what has been put in place. I’m reasonably happy but it’s early days to make judgement.”
Councillor Michael Roy added: “Always more can be done, but progress is being made. I’m quite happy we will come to an effective solution before the next inspection.
“Our objective is to bring the home up to a standard we can all be proud of.”
The social work and housing committee was also told that of the 29 services inspected in 2014, 25 received excellent, very good or good ratings.