A Dunfermline care home has been branded “unsatisfactory” after “foul smelling carpets” and furniture “contaminated with body fluids” were found by inspectors.

Leys Park Care Home, which provides nursing and social care for up to 66 residents, was visited by inspectors eight times between August and September.

Over the course of the full inspection, a number of “major weaknesses” which “compromised the safety and wellbeing” of residents were found.

Among the concerns highlighted by inspectors were:

• “Extremely foul smelling” carpets due to “prolonged urine contamination”
• Poor infection prevention and control practices
• Residents not always having access to fluids
• People living with dementia experiencing stress and distress

Inspectorate report on Leys Park Care Home called for ‘thorough deep clean’

Inspectors found large areas of the Dunfermline care home were in need of “urgent refurbishment and decoration”, including the bedrooms and communal areas.

The report noted the carpets in one unit were in an “extremely poor state” due to being worn, stained and extremely foul smelling due to prolonged urine contamination.

The report was heavily critical of the cleanliness of the home, outlining how some furniture, including bed rails, were heavily contaminated with bodily fluids.

Dining rooms, communal bathrooms, shower rooms, and nurse’s stations, inspectors said, all needed a “thorough deep clean”.

Staff lacking skills, knowledge and support

The report also noted that inspectors were not confident the nutritional needs of residents were being met, with resident’s not always having access to fluids.

Residents, the report said, did not like the food and told inspectors they were “sick of sandwiches” – which were served at least twice every day.

Further concerns were raised over the care of residents living with dementia, who were found to experience stress and distress.

Despite inspectors seeing “kind and warm interactions” between staff and residents, it was determined they did not have the skills, knowledge or support to help them when in distress.

In response to the findings, Leys Park Care Home said the home had found recent months “extremely challenging” due to lack of staff.

A spokesperson said: “The health and social care sector is under the greatest strain ever seen.

‘Extremely challenging’

“The impact of Covid, generational lack of funding and staff resources across our sector is placing enormous pressure on dedicated and experienced staff within many services.

“Our nursing home at Leys Park in Dunfermline has an extremely conscientious team, but one which has found it extremely challenging to consistently function in recent months.”

“As a national provider we have implemented a recovery plan, bringing in external support and additional resources working in close partnership with our Local Authority partner and consulting with families and residents to ensure we are exceeding their expectations.

“Various improvements have been achieved which are acknowledged by the regulator, our local authority partner and supported by the positive feedback from our residents and families.

“Our established staff group has been working tirelessly to ensure our residents achieve their best outcome.”