The quality of management and leadership at Monroe House care home, where a female staff member has been charged and several others suspended, has been described as “weak” by inspectors.
Health Improvement Scotland (HIS) inspectors swooped on the home, operated by administrators for Castlebeck, on Americanmuir Road in January after allegations of “poor practice” by staff members led to a Tayside Police inquiry.
A 44-year-old woman was charged with an alleged contravention of the mental health act following that investigation and a report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.
A further incident on March 9 led to further suspensions and prompted a second police inquiry however, a spokesperson for Tayside Police said that investigation was now complete and no further action had been taken.
The inspection was carried out in January and February with inspectors assessing whether people using the service were safe and protected.
Once satisfied, the inspectors looked at the progress made in respect of requirements raised during the inspection in June 2012.
Among their findings, the quality of management and leadership was “weak” relating to the National Care Standards in a selection of bedrooms, communal lounge and dining facilities, treatment room and day centre.
However, in respect of quality of care and support and quality of environment the findings were “very good”. Quality of staffing was described as being “good”.
HIS chief inspector Susan Brimelow said: “We also looked at the progress made by the service in respect of requirements made at the last inspection and found good progress. We found evidence that staff knew the people using the service well and treated them as individuals.
“We have made a specific requirement that Monroe House must fully and effectively implement a planned programme of clinical supervision for all staff and also stated that Monroe House must provide training for all staff on the differing nature of adult abuse.
“We are currently making weekly visits to the hospital in order to monitor the quality of care and will carry out a further formal inspection in the near future.
“The provider must address the requirements and make the necessary improvements as a matter of priority.”
The inspectors made four requirements that Monroe House must implement, plus two recommendations relating to policies.
Joe McLean, one of the administrators and a partner at Grant Thornton, said: “It comes as no surprise to me or my colleagues that the report speaks volumes about the professionalism and motivation of the staff and the overall quality of care at Monroe House.
“We recognise there are no grounds for complacency to meet the needs identified in the report, for there to be regular staff supervision, as well as strong management and quality assurance systems in place to ensure further the utmost provision of care for the vulnerable adults who use the services.
“We will continue to support Castlebeck management and the team at Monroe House in meeting these goals.
“The team there are thoroughly committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every patient cared for at the hospital, and the findings of the report reflect that commitment and dedication.”
Mr McLean warned there can be no letting up in continuing to improve both management and service delivery.
He said: “An independent, objective perspective is often necessary to encourage improvement processes and we welcome the recommendations of Healthcare Improvement Scotland and look forward to working with them to ensure our excellent standards are not only maintained, but constantly bettered.”