BUPA have today advised residents that it intends to close Pentland Hill Nursing Home.
Since the Care Inspectorate found serious concerns at an unannounced inspection last year, inspectors have required speedy and significant changes, and have worked closely with the NHS and the City of Edinburgh Council to help BUPA improve. Care inspectors noted some positive changes in recent months but an Improvement Notice and block on admissions remain in force.
Speaking about the closure, Dr Robert Peat, Director of Inspection, said:
"Every person is entitled to safe, high-quality care. Our inspection team identified serious concerns last year, and we recently reported on some limited improvements at the start of the year, but the pace of change has been frustratingly slow. We remain concerned that even where improvements have been made, they may not be sustained.
"We served BUPA with an Improvement Notice in January. This required them to give prescribed medicines to residents, provide sufficient food and fluids, train and monitor staff properly, and follow care plans correctly.
"We are currently mid-inspection, checking to see whether the necessary improvements have been made in time and met with BUPA on 23 May to share our initial findings and continued concerns around medicines and care plans.
"Now that BUPA intends to voluntarily close the home, we are working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council to find new homes for the current residents. The first priority is the safety and well-being of elderly residents, and we expect all parties to work closely together to minimise the disruption at this difficult time. Anyone with concerns can contact our helpline on 0345 6009527."
Copies of the Improvement Notice and past inspection reports are at www.careinspectorate.com