CARE home bosses have been told to scrub up on cleanliness and infection control measures following a surprise visit by inspectors.

The Care Inspectorate (CI) carried out a check-up at Ailsa Lodge Care Home in Bishopton earlier this month and found “inconsistencies” around standards of cleanliness and noted the dining area was “not cleaned to an acceptable standard”.

The watchdog also criticised the fact laundry was being carried around by individual staff and advised trolleys should be used to reduce the risk of infection.

A report by inspectors did note, however, that staff were knowledgeable about the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and said residents were happy at the home.

Inspectors said: “People living in the care home told us they were very satisfied with the care they received. The home had a positive attitude to keeping people stimulated through a range of activities.

“Families told us they were supported to be in regular contact with

their relatives. The home was sufficiently staffed to provide person-centred support to residents.

“Staff were observed using PPE appropriately and were knowledgeable about how Covid-19 should be managed within the care home setting. There were

inconsistencies around standards of cleanliness and how infection control

measures were applied.

“The communal dining area was not cleaned to an acceptable standard. Laundry was carried by individual staff when trolleys or similar should be used to reduce the risk of infection.

“We provided guidance on how infection control measures and cleanliness could be improved.”

The care home – run by McKenzie Care Ltd – was graded “adequate” overall for its care and support during the Covid-19 pandemic.

There have been no cases of the virus in the Ferry Road home during the outbreak.

The findings of the inspection were published as part of a larger report on the latest  round of check-ups by the CI, which was laid before the Scottish Parliament.

Paul Beaumont, managing director at McKenzie Care, said: “This is an extremely difficult time for those in our care, their families, friends and our staff. Their health, safety and well-being are of paramount importance. 

“We acknowledge the comments made by the CI in their report and were very pleased to have it confirmed our residents were very satisfied with the care they received. 

“Throughout this pandemic, the home has been fully equipped with all necessary PPE and has adhered to all government guidelines. 

“We provide staff training in safe and effective infection prevention and control procedures.

“However, the CI noted some inconsistencies around standards of cleanliness and how infection control measures were being implemented and certain areas required further attention when being cleaned.

“We will be working hard to ensure they are both rectified and robust processes are established to ensure they do not re-occur.”

Every fortnight, by law, the CI must present to Parliament any reports of inspections it has carried out over the past two weeks at care homes. Inspectors place a particular focus on infection prevention and control, PPE and staffing.

The legislation came into force in May to “robustly assess the arrangements put in place by care services” in response to the pandemic.